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July 16, 2009

Pat McGuckin
Henry Haupt

Jesse White Says Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grants Will Allow Libraries To Upgrade And Buy New Computers

SPRINGFIELD –Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White today applauded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for providing Opportunity Online Hardware Grants that will allow 128 Illinois public libraries to upgrade and buy new computers.

White said the Opportunity Online Hardware Grant Program is designed to build the sustainability of free computer and Internet access at public libraries. The program focuses on libraries that are not yet able to adequately serve their patron’s technology needs and are also serving high-poverty communities with limited access to computers and the Internet. 128 public libraries were deemed eligible by the Gates Foundation to receive funds through the grant program, based on economic need and aging computers. The Illinois State Library will administer funding to the participating libraries.

"Public libraries have been leaders in helping bridge the 'digital divide' in Illinois and throughout the country," said White. "Our libraries enable thousands of people in our state to find important information online, find jobs, and benefit from technology tools they would never be able to access elsewhere. The Opportunity Online grants will help Illinois libraries build the support and momentum to sustain high-quality technology services for all our community members for many years to come."

The program requires a local funding match of 25 to 50 per cent over a two-year period. The local match is designed to provide an incentive for libraries to engage the community to raise funds and communicate the value of technology in libraries. The program also seeks to motivate local governments to commit long-term local funding to computer services in public libraries.

Libraries Rreceiving Grants

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. Learn more at www.gatesfoundation.org.