The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced some potentially exciting news for Washington: We are one of 14 states partnering with the foundation to help public libraries compete for federal broadband stimulus funds. 

According to word from the Gates Foundation, Washington will participate in the foundation’s new Opportunity Online broadband grant program, which will help libraries develop proposals to apply for federal broadband stimulus dollars available through the National Telecommunications & Information Administration’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. 

Washington State Librarian Jan Walsh, who has been working for months on the issue of broadband funding for public libraries throughout the state, said she’s thrilled with the Gates Foundation news.

“It’s great that Washington is involved in this partnership program,” Walsh said. “It doesn’t mean we’re guaranteed to receive broadband funding, but it definitely helps our chances. On behalf of Washington libraries we’re eager to partner with the Gates Foundation. This is a rare opportunity for Washington’s public libraries because we believe it increases our chance of success in obtaining the federal broadband stimulus funding.”

Walsh said providing high-speed, high-quality Internet access at our public libraries is more important than ever.

“For millions of people throughout the U.S., including so many here in Washington, the public library is where they get connected to the online information and services they need. Yet about a third of all public libraries say their Internet connections are inadequate for their patrons most of the time. We hope we can secure a grant for Washington so our libraries can take their Internet connection to the next level.”

Walsh said the Washington State Library plans to partner in an statewide application that will bring high speed broadband to library, health, justice, and education anchor institutions. A formal proposal to the NTIA will be submitted next spring.