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Gates Foundation Gives $10.9 Million to 37 State Library AgenciesThe Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation January 14 announced gifts of nearly $11 million in challenge grants to state library agencies in 37 states and the District of Columbia, the second and final round of the Staying Connected program that offered $5.8 million to libraries in 18 states in 2004.“Although libraries are connected now to the internet, it will take all of us—state and local governments, businesses, nonprofits, foundations, and other library supporters—to ensure libraries stay connected,” said Martha Choe, director of the foundation’s Global Libraries program. Gates Foundation Advocacy Officer Kara Palmer told American Libraries the grants “focus on supporting and sustaining public access,” providing funds for internet connectivity, technology training, hardware upgrades, and technical support. All states were eligible to apply for the challenge grants, which match state funds at a two-to-one ratio. Louisiana, which received the largest grant of $934,320, will use its funds to replace more than 800 computers in the state—nearly 80% of the hardware its has received through the foundation’s U.S. Library Program. Grant money will also go toward training programs and internet connectivity upgrades. Since 1998, the U.S. Library Program has committed $250 million toward helping national, state, and local partners install more than 47,000 computers in nearly 11,000 public libraries in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Posted January 14, 2005. |
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