Bridging the digital divide: Robin Carnahan presents check to library officials

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By JOHN FORD
Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (right) presents a mock check for $6,500 to Ginny Ray, director of the Neosho / Newton County Library. The funds, provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will be used to buy four computers over two years for the library's Neosho and Seneca branches.


Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan presented Ginny Ray, director of the Neosho / Newton County Library, with a check for $6,500 to buy four computers for the library system. Two will be placed at the Neosho location and two at the Seneca branch: one at each facility in 2010 and again in 2011. The Neosho / Newton County Library was one of 120 libraries in Missouri to receive funding, and the state was one of 11 in the nation to be awarded funds from the Gates Foundation’s “Opportunity Online” Hardware Grant. Missouri received about $1 million of $6.5 million awarded nationwide through the program.

“In tough times, Missourians can turn to their local library for training, education and assistance with job-seeking,” Carnahan said in a prepared statement. “I am pleased to help the Neosho / Newton County Library system get the latest technology, which will enhance the outstanding service they provide to their community every day.”

Addressing a small gathering at the Neosho branch Thursday, Carnahan said in rural communities in the state, the local library is often the only Internet provider for those who do not have the Internet in their homes.

“Forty percent of people who live in the country do not have Internet access,” she said.

Statewide, the grant will fund the purchase and upkeep of 590 public-use computers, as well as software, printers and training on the use of the computer. Libraries will provide a 25 percent match in 2010, the first year of the program, and a 50 percent match during 2011, the second year.

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/news/x507081516/Bridging-the-digital-divide