Gates Foundation gives $515K boost to state libraries

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has donated $515,000 to Washington State Library system to help public libraries enhance services during the economic turndown.

The Renew Washington grant program will help 17 public libraries help residents to learn basic computer skills, help find jobs, gain new skills and educational opportunities, file for unemployment benefits, improve interviewing skills, prepare résumés and cover letters, and start or grow small businesses.

The Seattle Public Library will get $50,000 to expand resources and services for job seekers. Spokeswoman Andra Addison said the library had received a grant from the Friends of the Library to start a Job Resource Center at the Central Library, and this grant will help to expand it.

The Washington State Library system will combine the Gates Foundation grant with $400,000 in federal Library Services and Technology Act funds.

"Thanks to the Gates Foundation grant, the Washington State Library will be able to help libraries across the state provide local residents with the critical services they need to rebound from the economic downturn," said State Librarian Jan Walsh. "The funding will help thousands of Washingtonians get back on their feet during one of the toughest times our state has faced in decades."

In a recent study of Washington public libraries, it showed there has been a 7.5 percent increase in attendance in libraries over a six-month period in 2008, an 11 percent hike in circulation of library materials, an almost 14 percent rise in use of library computers, and a 20 percent increase in visits to libraries via the Internet.

Walsh said people are inundating public libraries to use computers to apply for jobs, file for unemployment, and take advantage of other resources. In this time of intensive usage, Walsh and Secretary of State Sam Reed noted that libraries' budgets are shrinking and, as a result, staff and hours are being cut.

"We are pleased to support the Washington State Library in its work to increase and enhance its invaluable work during these challenging times," said Jill Nishi, deputy director of the Gates Foundation's U.S. Libraries initiative. "Local public libraries are an important resource to thousands of individuals and families across the state seeking critical resources and services."

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com