A. Millions of U.S. citizens rely on the Internet for access to vital health, education, and employment information, yet nearly 40 percent of U.S. households are without this critical tool. Public libraries can provide computers and the Internet for people who can’t afford them. In fact, more than 60 percent of patrons say access to computers and the Internet are the primary reason they visit the library.

A. Public libraries have a long history of welcoming all people and providing the information and help they need to improve the quality of their lives. Libraries are trusted community centers that most residents can access easily. They are natural partners for bringing free computers and Internet services to those who have no other access and those who need help learning how to use this technology effectively.

A. Our total investment to date is $325 million in grants and other support. Our initial grantmaking, starting in 1997, helped 11,000 public libraries in all U.S. states and territories get connected to the Internet. Other grants have helped train thousands of library staff members so they can teach their patrons how to use computers and the Internet. More recent grants are supporting upgrades for outdated computers that we originally funded and are helping libraries sustain their technology services.

A. The goal of our grantmaking strategy in 2007 and beyond is to ensure that all people have access to high-quality technology services in their communities. We’re doing this by helping public libraries—especially those serving low-income people—sustain their computer and Internet services. We also help library staff get the skills and support they need to maintain technology systems and to secure adequate local funding.

A. In 2007-2009, we are offering Opportunity Online hardware grants to replace and add computers in libraries in 32 states that did not benefit from our 2006 Public Access Computing Hardware Upgrade Grants. Please note that our U.S. Libraries initiative does not accept unsolicited proposals or grant requests.

A. Public libraries depend on local funding for about 80 percent of their funding, and our U.S. Libraries initiative is not intended to replace traditional funding sources. In fact, we hope to encourage increased funding from the public and private sectors, especially at the local level, because it will take all existing sources—and more—to maintain the library services communities need and demand.

A. No. Microsoft Corporation and the foundation are separate entities that have independent approaches to charitable giving. Microsoft has been a valuable partner that has generously donated software in the past for foundation-funded computers, but libraries have never been required to use Microsoft products.