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Spanish-Speakers Receive Improved Services at Colorado Libraries
 Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Spanish-speakers are receiving improved services at selected Colorado libraries. Some 65 library facilities acquired Spanish-language computers that provide free access to the Internet for patrons.
Computers have been installed over the past six months. In addition to software programs, instruction manuals in Spanish are given with each computer to help library staff teach users.
These computers are part of Colorado's participation in the national effort supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The multi-year program is designed to bridge the "digital divide" by helping libraries that serve low-income communities to provide Internet access and computer resources. More than 11,000 public libraries in the U.S. and Canada will participate by the conclusion of the program, helping to ensure information access for future generations. The Spanish computer comes with pre-installed Spanish language software applications for Spanish-speaking library users.
Included in the software package are reference programs (Enciclopedia Encarta 2001; Atlas Mundial 2001; Investigador de Encarta), office programs (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, FrontPage); children's programs (E1 Autobús Mágico: Sistema Solar, Creative Writer, El Conejo Lector Primeros Pasos, E1 Conejo Lector Kinder, E1 Camino del la Lectura, Conejo Matematico); and other programs (Cursillo de Ratón, Internet Explorer, and Gateway Tutorials).
Nancy Bolt, Colorado State Library (Colorado Department of Education) said, "Libraries are continually searching for ways to improve services to all Coloradoans. The new Spanish language computers help us accomplish that goal. We hope Spanish-speakers will drop into their local libraries during National Library Week, April 14 through 20, and throughout this spring, to become familiar with the many free benefits of libraries."
www.gatesfoundation.org
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