Westmoreland County Federated Library System to Improve Access to Computers and the Internet for Westmoreland County Residents

The Westmoreland County Federated Library System (WCFLS) has received an $87,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to upgrade computers previously granted by the foundation. The grant will allow 13 Westmoreland County libraries to continue to provide free, high quality access to computers and the Internet for library patrons. The grant funds will be expended over the next two years and will allow the following libraries to upgrade or purchase a total of 100 new patron access computers: Belle Vernon Public Library, Delmont Public Library, Greensburg-Hempfield Area Library, Jeannette Public Library, Lower Burrell Branch Library, Manor Public Library, Monessen Public Library and District Center, Norwin Public Library, Penn Area Library, Peoples Library, Trafford Community Library and the Vandergrift Public Library.

Millions of Americans rely on library computers to do research for school or work, 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 services that our patrons demand most," said Denise Sticha, WCFLS System Administrator, "It is critical that we have the resources necessary to sustain this service so that our libraries can help Westmoreland County citizens access the information they need to live engaged, successful lives."

This grant is part of the 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 the funding for 42 public access computers in Westmoreland County. Due to advancements in technology, upgrades to the software and hardware are now required to ensure that all libraries are able to sustain the initial investment in connectivity for their patrons.

Established in 1993, the Westmoreland County Federated Library System is an alliance of the 25 public libraries in Westmoreland County. WCFLS member libraries serve a population of approximately 367,000 residents. There are a combined total of 170,000 registered library patrons in Westmoreland County. Based on these statistics, 46 percent of all Westmoreland County residents are public library patrons. Currently, these 25 libraries own and maintain approximately 250 public access computers.

Related Articles

• Internet Safety in America
  30 December 2006



• GetByMail 1.5 - Remote Access via Email
  25 December 2006



• Momentum to Expand Internet Data Centre
  23 December 2006



• netZAP Instant Broadband Internet Selects Allgon Microwave for Its TDD Wireless Broadband Network Expansion in Indonesia!
  23 December 2006



• SonicWALL Internet Threat Prevention Keeps Skype Trojan at Bay
  23 December 2006



• topseos.com Releases its December, 2006 List of Top Internet Marketing Firms in Eleven Categories
  23 December 2006



• Pacific Internet Launches Data Centre Service in China
  21 December 2006



• American Telecom Services Adds Two New DECT 6.0 Pay N' Talk and Digital Clear Internet Phones
  19 December 2006



• Procera Networks Partners With Leading Wireless Mesh Network Provider SkyPilot to Deliver Carrier-Class, Broadband Internet Services
  19 December 2006



• Internet Heroes launched at GITEX to rescue Dubai from errant technology
  16 December 2006