Big Gates Foundation grant will create high-speed Internet access in libraries in seven states

Broadband in public libraries, the only form of regular Internet access for many people in rural areas, will improve in seven states with grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Almost $7 million in grants will be shared by Connected Nation, a non-profit broadband advocacy group, and the American Library Association's Office for Information Technology Policy. The grants will support faster Internet connections at libraries in Arkansas, California, Kansas, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, and Virginia.

The foundation's press release notes that, with the economy's decline, library visits have increased significantly. “Our nation’s future depends on our ability to compete successfully in global markets,” ALA President Jim Rettig said. “To maintain our competitive edge, citizens must be guaranteed access to the ever-expanding universe of knowledge, tools, services, and resources available on the Internet. Public libraries not only can and should provide that access, they also act as catalysts for improving Internet service for entire communities." (Read more)