Montana State Library Receives Grant From the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation To Assist Public Libraries with Technology

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.î

"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/

Sara J. Groves

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Montana State Library

P.O. Box 201800

1515 East Sixth Avenue

Helena, MT† 59620-1800

PHONE: (406) 444-5357

FAX:(406) 444-0581

Email:mailto: [email protected]