June 23, 2001 — The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is set to provide computers and software to the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of its new Public Library Program for U.S. territories.
The announcement from the foundation, established by Microsoft computer software billionaire Bill Gates and his wife, came after Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd requested help last March in suppling the territory’s libraries with computer equipment, software and Internet connectivity.
In response to Liburd’s request, the foundation, which has operated a library program on the mainland since 1997, announced that it will launch a similar program in the U.S. territories this month.
Along with computer hardware and software, the program includes training and technical assistance to the employees of the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums within the Planning and Natural Resources Department.
Information about a program timeline, grant applications and qualifications will be sent to Liburd’s office next week, the announcement said.
According to the Gates Foundation web site, the Library Program works through state partnerships and cooperative relationships among the Library Program, state library agencies, schools of library and information science, and local public libraries within a state. Grant support includes broad funding for hardware, technical assistance and training to public libraries throughout the state.
The first partnership was awarded in October 1997 to the Alabama Public Library Service, to work closely with the Library Program and to act as the pilot program for future state funding.
