Quebec's Public Libraries Receive More Than $8 Million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to Provide Patrons with Increased Access to Computers and the Internet

QUEBEC CITY -- Agnes Maltais, Minister of Culture and Communications, announced today that Quebec public libraries have received a grant of $8,076,000 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to provide Internet access, computers and technical training for libraries serving low-income communities in the province. Separately, Microsoft Canada will donate software with a retail value of $2,977,000 to libraries receiving Foundation grants.

The grant from the Foundation will provide patrons of 548 libraries throughout Quebec with increased access to computers and the Internet. The grant is a part of the Gates Library Program whose mission is to provide increased access to technology for libraries serving low-income communities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

In a July 1999 study of household Internet use by households, Statistics Canada noted that while computer use has increased nationwide, there is a wage gap between those with access to technology and the Internet and those without. Individuals in higher income households are nearly five times more likely to use computer communications than those in lower income households.

"The initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has come at the right moment for public libraries and their patrons," said the Minister of Culture and Communications. "The libraries have already embarked upon a major change in direction a few years ago to incorporate new information and communication technologies in their activities and to adapt to the population's needs." The Quebec program, titled Internet Access in Public Libraries, has connected more than 80 percent of Quebec public libraries to the Internet.

The Minister underscored the generosity of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and thanked it on behalf of the users of Quebec public libraries who will benefit from better access to technology.

Eligible Libraries and Program Coordination

All libraries eligible for the program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will soon be receiving information and grant applications. Libraries that serve communities in which 17.6 percent or more of the population live in poverty will be eligible for grants. Statistics were based on the Poverty Profile 1996 report issued by the National Council of Welfare in spring 1998.

The minstere de la Culture et des Communications has entrusted the Center regional de services aux bibliothequest publicques de la Monteregie with the responsibility for program coordination. Library officials can obtain additional information by dialing 1.877.666.6290.