Grant helps Muskingum Co. Library System

Upgrades to the Muskingum County Library System computers were in jeopardy because of budget constraints, now those upgrades are on their way.

Through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation $6.5 million will be distributed to libraries in eleven states, including Ohio.

“The grant allows for the Gates Foundation to pay 75% of the replacement costs the library will assume the last 25%,” said Blair Tom Public Relations Muskingum County Library Systems.

The hardware upgrades couldn’t have come at a better time for our area.

“It’s important now because of rising unemployment. We see people using the computers for job searches, resume updates and to brush up on their skills.”

Tom says that 73% of all libraries are typically the only provider of free Internet access in their communities.

Eight years ago the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded the computer lab at John McIntire Library and computers at the five branch libraries.