The Richland County Public Library consistently ranks high nationally in such areas as circulation, staffing and materials. In 2001, it was named National Library of the Year. The library's 11 branches have seen a 30 percent increase in use over the past two years. With unemployment high, residents are turning to the library in record numbers for job searches, resume preparation and unemployment services.

Knight’s grant will create a job-help center at the Main Library, adding 54 computers to create a consolidated center where library staff can more readily help job seekers.

Also an underserved branch in a community where almost 40 percent of residents live below the poverty line will see increased technology training, Tech Tuesdays with classes and a technology instructor. Other branches will get new computers and related equipment. In 2008, more than 578,000 people used the library's Internet computers. With the additional computers, the library expects that number to increase to 768,500.