Gates grants to help libraries provide computer access
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is announcing $6.5 million in grants to help public libraries in Minnesota and 10 other states improve the quality of the free computer access they offer.
The money announced Thursday will pay for computer hardware updates at some of the 800 library branches in Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Vermont and Wisconsin.
Libraries will need to find matching local dollars to qualify for the Gates Foundation grants. And library staff will be required to participate in a professional development conference offered by the Public Library Association.
Previous Gates Foundation computer grants were awarded in 2007 and 2008 to libraries in other states.
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The eligible libraries in Minnesota are (by county):
Aitkin County
Aitkin Public Library
Anoka County
Columbia Heights Public Library
Fridley: Mississippi Branch Library
Beltrami County
Blackduck Public Library
Big Stone County
Graceville Public Library
Ortonville Public Library
Cass County
Cass Lake Community Library
Longville: Margaret Welch Memorial Library
Pine River Public Library
Walker Public Library
Chippewa County
Milan Public Library
Montevideo: Chippewa County Public Library
Clearwater County
Bagley Public Library
Dakota County
South Saint Paul Public Library
Fillmore County
Harmony Public Library
Kandiyohi County
Willmar Public Library
Mahnomen County
Mahnomen Public Library
Martin County
Fairmont (Central)
Morrison County
Little Falls Public Library
Pierz Branch Library
Swanville Branch Library
Nobles County
Adrian Library
Otter Tail County
Perham Area Public Library
Pine County
Hinckley Public Library
Pine City Public Library
Ramsey County
Arlington Hills Branch Library
Hamline Midway Branch Library
Hayden Heights Branch Library
Rice Street Branch Library
West 7th Street Popular Library
Stearns County
Belgrade: Myrtle Mabee Library
Waite Park Branch Library
St. Louis County
Duluth-Main
Ely Public Library
Hoyt Lakes Public Library
McKinley Public Library
Mount Royal Branch Library
West Duluth Branch Library
Todd County
Eagle Bend Public Library
Long Prairie Branch Library
Staples Public Library
Wadena County
Wadena Public Library
Winona County
Winona Public Library
Wright County
Annandale Branch Library
Yellow Medicine County
Granite Falls Public Library