Nov. 4--The public libraries in East Grand Forks and Grand Forks have received more than $66,000 in grants to increase Internet access.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced Wednesday the two grants total $66,250 and are part of its Lifting up Libraries campaign. Program Director Anne Corriston said increasing access to the Internet has become an essential function of public libraries.

"We have realized that libraries have become over the years community information hubs for the Internet," she said.

Corriston said the funding will also pay for mobile laptop carts, which can be moved around the library and be used for classes. They also provide more flexibility in smaller libraries instead of installing static computer stations, she said.

Another goal of the funding is to improve availability of classroom learning in the libraries, she said, with classes offered to the community teaching basic computer use, how to access the Internet and how to use common computer programs.

Corriston said the foundation's president, Alberto Ibarguen, is passionate about increasing access because so much information is only available through the Internet.

"He feels that people, citizens, communities, they need information to be able to make informed decisions," she said. "Without being able to access that kind of information, there's a big gap in what they have available."

Grand Forks

Grand Forks Mayor Mike Brown said he was happy to see Corriston again because "we always have good news when she comes to town." He added libraries are an important part of the community and the money will be put to a good use.

"We want to keep our citizens informed and involved and included and what's going on with current events," he said.

Wendy Wendt, the Grand Forks Public Library director, said they will use their $37,600 grant to install a dedicated server, which will improve Internet access in the building. They also plan to expand the computer lab and purchase netbooks that can be used for portable training.

East Grand Forks

East Grand Forks Campbell Library will use its $28,650 grant to purchase mobile laptop carts, buy netbooks and use them for a new homework club and add a couple of routers to increase Internet access in the building, director Charlotte Helgeson said.

Mayor Lynn Stauss said the city's library has changed dramatically in recent decades -- the old building was ruined during the 1997 flood, and the city had a temporary library in an ice skating arena.

The new Campbell Library happened because of the commitment of city leaders and citizens, he said, but must keep developing to remain a cornerstone of the community.

"A library can't quit growing. It has to continue to grow and do things for its community and add new things," Stauss said, adding this grant will help the library in that mission.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation advances journalism in the digital age and invests in the vitality of communities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. Knight Foundation focuses on projects that promote community engagement and lead to transformational change. For more, visit www.knightfoundation.org.

Reach Johnson at (701) 780-1105; (800) 477-6572, ext. 105; or send e-mail to rjohnson@gfherald.com.

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