Okla. libraries getting $2.5 million in Gates grants

Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating announced Tuesday that the state's public libraries are receiving $2.5 million in grants and services through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Library Initiative.

Libraries serving populations with poverty levels of 10 percent or higher will receive computers, Internet access, technical support and staff training, and those serving areas with lower than 10 percent poverty still receive software, technical training and can purchase computers at a discounted rate. Approximately 82 percent of the state's public libraries will receive grants.

Oklahoma is the thirteenth state to receive funding through the Gates' initiative. More information can be found on the Web at www.gatesfoundation.org.