The South Carolina State Library has received a $937,500 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to upgrade computers previously granted by the foundation.

Columbia, SC, April 25, 2006 – The South Carolina State Library has received a $937,500 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to upgrade computers previously granted by the foundation. These funds will be passed on to South Carolina public libraries and help them sustain free, high quality access to computers and the Internet for library patrons.

Millions of Americans rely on library computers to do research for school or work, take distance-learning classes, find health information, communicate with family and friends, and keep up with current events. In communities with lower incomes, libraries often provide the only Internet access.
“ Computer and Internet access has become one of the key services that our patrons demand most,” said Patti Butcher, Director of the South Carolina State Library. “It is critical that we have the resources necessary to sustain this service so that our libraries can help all our citizens access the information they need to live engaged, successful lives.”

The grant 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 United States. In 1999, the foundation gave more than 600 computers to South Carolina public libraries. Due to technology advances, upgrades to the software and hardware now are required to ensure that all libraries are able to sustain the initial investment in connectivity for their patrons.

“Libraries deserve to have the necessary resources to provide library patrons with efficient technology,” said Martha Choe, director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries program. “It is now important for libraries to receive continued support from the community—government, businesses, foundations, and citizens—to maintain this technology and provide upgrades in the future.”