Southeast Missouri libraries to add computers using Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grants

Libraries in Southeast Missouri will be adding a few more public-access computers thanks to recent grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Gates Foundation announced $956,000 in grants Thursday for public libraries in Missouri. The funds will be used to update computer hardware for about 120 libraries across the state. Ten other states received a total of $6.5 million in grants.

Both the Cape Girardeau and Jackson public libraries received grants, which are distributed through the Missouri State Library. The grants require partial matching funds from libraries.

"We will receive funds for purchasing two computers and other peripherals for those computers," Cape Girardeau Public Library director Betty Martin said.

She said new computers will help replace those that no longer function. The Cape Girardeau library is eligible for one new computer this year, with the Gates Foundation covering 75 percent of the cost. The library must match 50 percent of the funding for an additional computer next year.

The grant for each computer is based on a cost of $2,600, which includes a printer, scanner, software and a service warranty, Martin said.

Jackson Public Library director Sally Pierce said the library will use some budgeted money to match the grants and might raise additional funds.

Martin said the Cape Girardeau library has 42 computers available for public use, which are being used more as residents affected by the recession stop paying for Internet access at home.

"Lots of the time the employers require them to apply online, and so computers just become more and more important," Martin said.

The computers at the Cape Girardeau Public Library are also equipped with Mango language-learning software, magazine databases and the Chilton's automotive repair database.

She said this is the third round of public library grants from the Gates Foundation aiming to "bridge the digital divide." The Cape Girardeau library will use some of its budgeted technology money to match the grants and will also seek business donations. Martin said the Gates Foundation will provide training to staff members on ways to approach and connect with local businesses.

Neither Keller Public Library in Dexter, Mo., nor Riverside Regional Public Library in Jackson applied for the Gates Foundation grants. Keller Public Library director Pam Trammel said the library did not apply because its computers are relatively new. Bollinger County Library community coordinator Tammy Whitney said the library applied for the grants but did not qualify, probably because the library's computers are only three years old.

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Pertinent addresses:

711 N. Clark Ave.

Cape Girardeau, MO

100 N. Missouri St.

Jackson, MO