Library System Receives Grant

October 3, 2009
by Elizabeth M. Mack /Tallahassee Democrat Staff Writer


Leon County Commissioner Akin Akinyemi is at the library at least two to three times a week — sometimes he even brings his kids. He comes mainly in between meetings.

"It's always full when I come," he said. "I'm fortunate that I have an office computer, but for some people this is all they have."

Akinyemi was among county officials celebrating news Friday that the library system received $83,250 in grant money from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

The money will be used to buy 150 miniature laptop computers, which will double the amount of computers the library system has, said Helen Moeller, director of libraries. Demand is high for the computers; people have to wait up to an hour to use them for an hour-long session.

"There is a tremendous demand for the libraries' public computers," she said. "The world of information has changed so drastically that if you don't have the Internet, it can be difficult to get information and even do things like apply for jobs."

Moeller said the new computers will help decrease the "digital divide" among people who can afford computers and those who can't. Library card holders will be able to check out one of the mini laptops and go anywhere in the library to access the Internet.

Mike Pate, Tallahassee program director for the Knight Foundation, said studies by the organization have proven that a majority of the population in the country without access to computers go to public libraries.

"Libraries are the greatest providers of free Internet, offering residents access to the critical news and information they need to make decisions about their lives," he said. "At the least, we can put the libraries and their users in a situation where they don't have to wait as long for a computer."

Library officials said the computers won't be available for a few months. Staff members must first develop policies and procedures for their use.