NTIA has announced the second round of funding for broadband stimulus grants, including grants to support public computing in libraries.

Two collaborative grants are being prepared for any of Ohio’s public libraries to participate in:

1. An application from the State Library of Ohio which will request sufficient PCs to serve local communities;
2. A complementary application from Connect Ohio to provide training, technical support, and a public awareness campaign.

The State Library will submit an application on behalf of public libraries for computers only. The application will be submitted in the PCC (Public Computer Center) category. This application will only include public computers, either PCs or laptops. For each public computer which a library wants to buy, the State Library will be requesting $475 in federal funds and the public library must match this amount with at least $125, or more if the library wants to buy more expensive computers.

Connect Ohio's application will focus on promoting broadband adoption, with an emphasis on computer training in libraries. Some library locations may be designated as Technology Education Centers (TECs), depending upon their ability to host physical training classes. TECs will offer classes led by instructors provided by Connect Ohio or your existing staff.

TO PARTICIPATE IN EITHER GRANT, YOU MUST COMMIT BY 5:00 P.M. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2010.

More detailed information can be found in the "Participation Letter" attached below. (Note that this letter is addressed to libraries that completed the Connect Ohio survey, but other libraries may also participate. The letter contains references to a spreadsheet which Connect Ohio will send each library individually.) Also attached below are templates for letters, board resolutions, etc. The library director participation and support letter indicates your participation as well as expresses your support of the application to the NTIA. The library board support letter is a template for the library board to use as a source to indicate support of direct matching funds to the project. The library adoption letter attachment will be used as a letter of solicitation for your use to reach out to local broadband providers. The match letter is a form used by the broadband providers in order to commit to supporting the program.

For even more information, you can contact Missy Lodge at the State Library (mlodge <at> sloma.state.oh.us or 614-644-6914), Tom Fritz at Connect Ohio (tfritz <at> connectohio.org or 866-881-9424), or Stephen Hedges (hedgesst <at> oplin.org or 614-728-5250).