Michael and Susan Dell have pledged $500,000 to the Austin (Tex.) Public Library for the creation of children’s computer centers at the main library and nine branches, the Austin American-Statesman reported September 16.
The largest private donation ever received by APL, the gift from the founder of Austin-area-based Dell Computer Corporation will buy six new multimedia workstations for each branch and 12 for the main library, more than doubling the number of library Internet connections. The new computers will be dedicated to children’s use and will be loaded with Internet filters, library officials said.
In addition, the Austin City Council approved $325,000 September 14 to fund 11 new employees to staff the Dell Wired for Youth Centers. The city money is scheduled to increase to $500,000 annually in future years.
The computer centers are projected to open by next summer.
Posted September 27, 1999.