Media Contact: Heather O’Connell
(239) 461-2924 hoconnell@leegov.com
Fort Myers, FL; May 16, 2008– South County Regional Library users
now have 16 additional computers for their use, thanks to a $42,000 grant the
Lee County Library System received from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Other
locations will see upgrades to existing computers which were awarded from the
same foundation nearly a decade ago.
Back in 1999, the foundation awarded 28 computers to the Lee County
Library System (five at the Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library; eight at the
Fort Myers-Lee County Public Library, two at the Pine Island Public Library, 12
for the training lab at the South County Regional Library, and one at the
Talking Books Library.)
Now,
due to technology advances, upgrades to the software and hardware are required
to ensure that all libraries are able to sustain the initial investment in
connectivity for their patrons.
“With
this grant, we will be able to replace 28 computers and monitors at these
locations, as well as purchase a laptop for the training lab,” said Heather
O’Connell, Community Relations Coordinator. At
“Computer and Internet access has become one of the key services that our
patrons demand most,” O’Connell said. “It is critical that we have the
resources necessary to sustain this service so that our libraries can help
residents and visitors access the information they need to live engaged,
successful lives.”
Millions of
Americans rely on library computers to apply for jobs, do research for school
or work, take distance-learning classes, find health information, communicate
with family and friends, and keep up with current events. For those facing
financial difficulties, libraries often provide their only Internet access.
The grant helps libraries sustain free, high quality access to computers
and the Internet for library patrons. It is part of the foundation’s U.S.
Library Program, which supports the efforts of public libraries to offer free
access to computers, the Internet, and digital information in communities
throughout the
“Libraries
deserve to have the necessary resources to
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