Montana State Library Receives Grant To Assist Public Libraries with Technology
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2006
Contact: Sara Groves
(406) 444-5357
(HELENA)---The Montana State Library announced today that it received an award from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation totaling $295,500. The money will be distributed to public libraries around the state so that they may purchase new computers for public use.
"Montana's libraries are often the only place where our citizens can access the Internet," said Darlene Staffeldt, Montana State Librarian. "When people need information, whether it's in a book or online, your local Montana public library will help you find it - all for free."
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation began their grant program to U.S. public libraries with one goal: if you could get to a public library, you could reach the Internet. Today, every public library in Montana offers free access to the Internet.
The current Gates Foundation grant initiative, called the Public Access Computing Hardware Upgrade Grant (PAC-HUG), will help these libraries stay connected by providing much needed funds to upgrade existing technology.
"Walk into any Montana library, and you will find the public access computers are in use - from the time the library opens until it closes," said Staffeldt. "In order to learn, do business, or just to stay connected with family and friends, the Internet is a vital tool. Montana libraries help our citizens move forward with their lives by providing the access to information they need to do so."
All Montana public libraries and branches completed an online technology inventory in December 2005. Grant funds will be awarded to each library based on the data provided in that inventory. Grant funds will be made available to libraries in July 2006.
Through its statewide programs, the Montana State Library empowers Montanans; enhances learning in families and communities; builds 21st Century skills; and provides opportunities for civic participation. For more information, visit http://msl.mt.gov.
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