Effort supports public computing at 42 libraries and adult education sites
Montpelier, VT – Google has donated 100 computers and funding for software to Vermont public libraries and adult education sites.
Vermont State Librarian Martha Reid announced the gift, which is valued at nearly $25,000 combined.
“Our local libraries have become the hubs of connectivity in many communities and we are very pleased with this public private partnership,” said Governor Peter Shumlin. “This puts power in the hands of Vermonters seeking free access to the Internet and all the benefits – for education, employment opportunities and more – that offers.”
The donation, part of a larger effort by Google to donate surplus equipment from their offices, includes desktop computers and flat screen monitors, keyboards and mice, all completely refurbished and loaded with the latest software operating systems. None of the computers is more than three years old.
“This generous gift will allow more Vermonters than ever to have access to free public computers and the Internet,” said Reid. “These computers, installed in adult education programs and smaller libraries across the state, will help Vermonters who are searching for jobs, looking for reliable health information, continuing their education and using a wide variety of e-resources that were out of reach beforehand. The librarians across the state and their communities are delighted.”
Google sent the 100 computers and necessary equipment free of charge, and included$10,000 for the purchase of software. This donation is an extension of the e-Vermont Community Broadband program, of which the Department of Libraries is a partner. For more information about the e-Vermont project, sponsored by the Vermont Council on Rural Development, see: e4vt.org
“Connecting Vermonters to the world for commerce, education, access to government services, and job-seeking is our highest priority,” said Karen Marshall, Chief of Connect VT.
The 34 libraries and eight adult education sites across the state receiving thecomputers were in dire need of more and newer equipment. The donated computers must be available for use by the public and not for library staff, in order to increase the capacity for citizens to have access to the Internet and tools for lifelong learning.
As part of the connection with the e-Vermont federal broadband grant project, the Department of Libraries is working with the Vermont State Colleges and Community College of Vermont to provide digital literacy training to citizens. Recently e-Vermont piloted a program with interns helping members of the public with computer training, including setting up email accounts and Internet searching.
Complete list of recipients:
Adult Learning Middlebury
Adult Learning Rutland
Adult Learning St. Albans
Adult Learning White River Junction
Baldwin Memorial Library, Wells River
Barnet Public Library
Barton Public Library
Bradford Public Library
Brandon Free Public Library
Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester
Cabot Public Library
Cavendish Community Library
Charlotte Library
Chelsea Public Library
Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville
Cutler Memorial, Plainfield
Dailey Memorial Library, Derby
Education Center Canaan
Education Center Hardwick
Education Center Island Pond
Education Center St. Johnsbury
Fairlee Public Library
Georgia Public Library
Gilbert Hart Library, Wallingford
Glover Public Library
Groton Free Public Library
Haston Library, Franklin
Highgate Public Library
Jamaica Memorial Library
Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield
Johnson Public Library
Lanpher Memorial Library, Hyde Park
Maclure Library, Pittsford
Mark Skinner Library, Manchester
Mount Holly Town Library
New Haven Community Library
Orwell Free Library
Richmond Free Library
Rochester Public Library
Tenney Memorial Library, Newbury
Whiting Library, Chester
Windham Town Library