The Seattle-based Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced $10.9 million in grants to help public libraries across the country provide free, public access to computers and the Internet.

The grants will enable libraries to improve technology training for their staff and patrons, replace older workstations, upgrade software, obtain faster Internet connections, and increase access to technical support. Awarded to thirty-seven state library agencies and the District of Columbia Public Library, the grants matched funds raised by the states on a two-to-one basis, bringing the total committed to the effort to more than $16 million. The announcement of the grant completes the second and final round of the Staying Connected program, which saw $5.8 million in grants announced in 2004.

"Public libraries are bridging the digital divide across the country, providing high-quality computer and Internet access, training opportunities, and technology tools that help people learn, explore, and create," said Martha Choe, the director of the foundation's Global Libraries program. "Although libraries are connected now to the Internet, it will take all of us — state and local governments, businesses, nonprofits, foundations, and other library supporters — to ensure that libraries stay connected."

In other news, the foundation announced the selection of a site owned by the City of Seattle and located adjacent to the Seattle Center for its new headquarters. Subject to city council approval, the foundation will purchase 12.3 acres for $50.4 million, with construction of the new building scheduled to begin sometime in 2007. In making the announcement, the foundation said it was committed to Seattle's citywide policy on sustainable building, which emphasizes environmental, economic, and social stewardship.