Gates Foundation - Opportunity Online Hardware (Computers) Grant

This program is designed to help the 40 percent of U.S. public libraries still struggling to provide reliable technology services for people with no other access to computers and the Internet. The Opportunity Online hardware grants help libraries in 32 states replace and add computer workstations for patrons.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is providing this grant to libraries throughout the United States with each community assisting by providing a match to the grant. These are two year grants with funds available both years. The funding and the match for Dodge City Public Library is as follows:

Year 1 (2008):
                Gates Foundation:          $11,700
                Library Match:                     3,900
Year 2 (2009):
                Gates Foundation:           $ 7,800
                Library Match:                     7,800

The match for year 1 has been raised and the computers ordered. A ribbon cutting for the updated lab will be held on 08-08-08 at 10:00am. Everyone is welcome to attend.

For year 2 our emphasis will be on computers for the children's and teen area of the library. We are currently raising the funds necessary for the grant through a fundraiser called "Lincolns for the Library - Komputers for Kids." Everyone is encouraged to donate their Lincolns (pennies and $5.00 bills) to help us raise this match. Currently we have raised 20% of the funds needed.

For information or to donate toward the match contact Chris or Cathy at the Library.

This grand is made possible by:
               The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
               Those who have donated to help us meet our match.

Click here for pictures of the ribbon cutting of the new computer lab.

Click here for pictures of the new computers arriving and being installed in the computer lab.