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