Kentucky to receive grant to increase computer access in libraries

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Kentucky will receive more than $1.3 million as a part of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The funding will be used to expand the number of public computer workstations that are available at Kentucky's public libraries and also increase the amount of training courses offered to residents. The grant will fund about 520 new workstations, enhance 300 existing workstations and upgrade 60 public libraries. Libraries that will receive the upgrades have not been announced.

Kentucky took part in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Opportunity Online broadband grant program and received technical and consulting assistance to develop a proposal for the BTOP. Kentucky will receive federally required matching funds from the Gates Foundation to support its BTOP-funded project.

“This funding will help Kentuckians who do not have access to computers and broadband service to use 21st century technology to access training, jobs and economic opportunities. Our local public libraries have become an important community access point for people to search for jobs, write resumes and learn computer skills. These funds will provide a direct link to help for people in areas with high poverty, disability and unemployment levels,” Gov. Steve Beshear said.