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Open the Gates to Lifelong Learning Fundraising Campaign

The Library has received an Opportunity Online hardware grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which will allow the purchase of up to fifty computers for public use. This two-year project requires matching funds from the Library and the community and therefore approximately $50,000 will have to be raised locally.   Current plans for the grant money include: new, faster computers for Internet access at the Main Library and both branch libraries new Library catalog computers new computers dedicated to the subscription database resources a computer allowing people to download audiobooks and then upload them to their own MP3 players

(donate online through the Friends of the Duluth Public Library)   Printable Donation Form

While the Library's Computer Lab has always been a busy place, the current economic downturn has made the public computers even more in demand. Many jobs require applications to be submitted online, and also require people to have email accounts. Unemployment benefit reporting must also be done online. Many people trying to cut their budgets have been forced to eliminate their home Internet service. In addition, word processing software on Lab computers has been heavily used by people working on resumes.

Every library cardholder and member of the community can make a difference at this critical time. Public donations will Open the Gates to Lifelong Learning. Donations may be made in several ways:

• forms will be available at all Duluth Public Library locations as well as most local bookstores
• print a donation form and mail to Community Services, Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802
• make a donation online
• checks may be mailed to Community Services, Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802.

The Friends of the Duluth Public Library have already pledged $1000 to kick off the fundraising campaign and are leading the efforts to raise the rest of the matching funds through private donations and foundation grants. Any funds above the $50,000 goal will be designated for future upgrades.

11/13/09
Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802