EDMONTON, Alberta -- Alberta's public libraries have received a $1.3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Alberta Library announced today. In addition, Microsoft Canada will provide software with a retail value of up to $480,000 to libraries receiving Foundation grants. Together, the two programs total $1.8 million for Alberta libraries.

"On behalf of all Alberta, the Arts and Libraries Branch of the Department of Community Development is delighted to receive this impressive gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation," said Community Development Minister Stan Woloshyn. "This opportunity further emphasizes the values and focus the Alberta government places on partnerships, and is another important step to building upon the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network Project."

"The Alberta Library is pleased to administer this grant on behalf of public libraries. It is a significant recognition of libraries and their growing role in providing access to information technology for all citizens of Alberta," said Mr. Gerry Meek, chair of The Alberta Library.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is dedicated to improving lives by providing funding to organizations working in global health and learning. The Foundation's Library Program provides grants to libraries throughout Canada and the United States with the goal of providing increased access to computers, the Internet and digital information for everyone, regardless of age, race or geographic location.

This grant, in conjunction with existing APLEN (Alberta Public Library Electronic Network) programs, will help to build the capacity within local libraries so they may take advantage of the opportunities provided by access to the explosion of electronic information.

The grant will be used to buy computer equipment, improve Internet access and provide computer-training facilities for library staff and the public. It will fund 215 workstations in 81 libraries across the province.

Libraries in Edmonton and Calgary also will receive permanent computer-training labs, each containing 11 workstations for public and staff use. In addition, one mobile workstation will be used to train the public and staff at libraries throughout the rest of the province. A planning committee of Canadian library leaders worked with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a formula to determine which areas are eligible for funding under this grant.

"The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant will really help APLEN in achieving its goal of improving access to information resources for Albertans through their public libraries. This support is welcome and the technology that is being offered is leading edge," commented Maggie Macdonald, chair, APLEN Steering Committee. "The public libraries play a key role in ensuring the availability of the Internet to Albertans by providing free public access to computer technology. This is important for people without access to a computer or the Internet at home."

The Alberta Library is a province-wide consortium composed of public, university, college and special library. Its membership represents over 250 libraries across Alberta. Its vision is universal barrier-free access for all Albertans to information and ideas, delivered in a dynamic model of cooperation extending beyond walls and beyond current levels of performance. The Alberta Library administers the development of the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network (APLEN). APLEN is a partnership of Alberta Community Development, Western Economic Diversification and Industry Canada.

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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.