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Pennsylvania to Be First in Gates-Funded Access NetworkLibraries for the Future has received a $1.05-million, three-year challenge grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to establish an “EqualAccess Libraries” network in 10 states, beginning in Pennsylvania. The national nonprofit advocacy organization announced June 18 that the initiative is “designed to transform libraries into information and education centers based on the needs of their communities” and will involve a training curriculum “to strengthen librarians’ capacities for community outreach, coalition building, public awareness, and advocacy.”“Pennsylvania’s selection was based on the significant investment the state has made in the last decade in its technology infrastructure as well as the strong commitment to library development on the part of local funders,” said Diantha D. Schull, president of Libraries for the Future. The program will be launched in 15 Pennsylvania libraries this year: five branches of Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Library, four additional libraries in Allegheny County and four in contiguous counties, and two in other locations. In 2004, another 16 libraries will join the project, followed by 30 in 2005. Meanwhile, due to a $2.4-million cut in state funding, the Carnegie Library June 26 announced a 21% reduction in operating hours, a 10% reduction in acquisitions spending, fees for computer classes, and the suspension of most outreach programs. “While we are hopeful that some or all of the funding will be restored in a supplemental budget to be considered shortly by the legislature, we have no choice but to act on the basis of the budget that will go into effect on July 1,” said Library Director Herb Elish. Posted June 30, 2003. |
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