The Timberland Regional Library Foundation (TRLF) and Timberland Regional Library (TRL) announced today that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded $93,000 to upgrade public-use library computers previously granted by the Gates Foundation. The grant will help TRL to sustain free, high quality access to computers and the Internet for library patrons.

Millions of Americans rely on library computers to do research for school or work, take distance-learning classes, find health information, communicate with family and friends, and keep up with current events. In communities with lower incomes, libraries often provide the only Internet access.

"Computer and Internet access has become one of the key services that our patrons demand most," said TRL Director, Jodi Reng. "It is critical that we have the resources necessary to sustain this service so that our libraries can help the citizens of our five counties access the information they need to live engaged, successful lives."

The grant is part of the Gates Foundation’s U.S. Library Program, which supports the efforts of public libraries to offer free access to computers, the Internet, and digital information in communities throughout the United States. In 2000, the foundation provided 62 computers to Timberland libraries. Due to technology advances, upgrades to the software and hardware now are required to ensure that libraries are able to sustain that investment in connectivity for patrons.

"Libraries deserve to have the necessary resources to provide library patrons with efficient technology," said Martha Choe, director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries program. "It is now important for libraries to receive continued support from the community—government, businesses, foundations, and citizens—to maintain this technology and provide upgrades in the future."

The Timberland Regional Library Foundation has received and will administer the grant. The TRLF is a tax-exempt, 501[c][3] nonprofit organization that promotes Timberland Regional Library and its communities and provides financial support for the mission of the Timberland Regional Library system.

Timberland Regional Library (www.trlib.org) serves the information, reading and lifelong learning needs of the public in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties at 27 community libraries and 4 school-based cooperative library centers. The library system is funded by local property taxes. Timberland offers 1.5 million items in a variety of formats including books, magazines, audio books and music on CD and cassette, DVDs, videos and more. The Library’s Central Reference librarians provide answers to questions on any subject, seven days a week. The public can reach them by calling 704-INFO (704-4636) in the Olympia area or 1-800-562-6022, toll-free, from all other areas or they can go online at www.trlib.org and click on "Ask a Librarian."