YOUNGSTOWN (January 20, 2010) – The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) will receive $44,850 from a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Online Opportunity Grant through the State Library of Ohio to increase the availability of public computers in the library. Local support played a large role in securing the required matching funds so that this grant could become a reality.
The purpose of grant is two-fold. First, it provides public access computers in eight of the library system’s branches identified by the Gates Foundation. Second, the grant provides a means to increase local community support for access to computers.
The Gates Foundation required the Library to raise 25% in matching funds to be able to secure the $44,850 in foundation funding. The community rose to the challenge to provide the match needed to complete grant requirements. Donations for this grant came from:
The Youngstown Foundation, $7,000
Friends of PLYMC, $5,000
Friends of Poland Library, $1,000
Friends of Boardman Library, $1,000
Friends of Austintown Library, $1,000
“These organizations clearly recognize the importance of providing access to computers within our community and the significance of ongoing financial support of libraries in an era when many of our residents have only one available source for Internet and computer access – their local library,” said Carlton Sears, Library Director.
“The Youngstown Foundation, the Friends of the Library and the Gates Foundation came to our aid at a critical time. As all levels of government and many commercial firms move services to the Internet to be more efficient, they are doing so with no regard for how people will obtain access to the Internet. More and more, people must rely on the Library for a computer on which to perform essential functions, such as search for a job, fill out online job applications, submit resumes and apply for benefits.
“For many people in our community, the Library is their only means of access. As a result, computers in the library are in near-constant use, which results in a good deal of wear and tear. Yet, due to reduced funding, dollars have not been available for the technology budget to replace worn computers for two years.”
This grant will aid thousands of local residents by providing additional computer access. PLYMC currently has public access computers in all of its 15 branches, as well as a large computer center in Main Library, for a total of 134 computers dedicated to public use. Demand for use of a limited number of computers is constant – and growing.
The Library is also eligible to receive an additional $24,700 from the Gates Foundation in 2010. To secure this grant, the library must raise a like amount, $24,700, in matching funds and will again rely on the generosity and support of the local community to secure the additional grant, allowing PLYMC to continue and improve the important service of providing public access to computers and the Internet.