Latvia’s Libraries Receive Additional Funding to Provide Free Computer Access and Training

Riga, Latvia, December 3, 2008. – The Republic of Latvia has received a support grant of USD 2,000,000.00 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to expand computer user access in libraries, train librarians, as well as fund impact assessment and advocacy activities. This grant will go towards improving access to technology in 874 Latvian public libraries and continue successful activities started during the initial phase of Latvia’s Public Library Development Project, or “Trešais tēva dēls.”

“By teaching people how to use computers and providing them with access to the Internet, public libraries can open a world of knowledge and opportunity,” said Jessica Dorr, program officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  “This grant will help library staff teach people throughout the country how to use tools and technology so they can take full advantage of what they offer and make steps to improve their social and economic wellbeing.”

The grant was signed by the foundation and the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, Helena Demakova.  Project activities will be coordinated by Latvian State Agency’s “Culture Information Systems” in close cooperation with the foundation and Latvian libraries from January 2009 until June 2010.

“The modernization of Latvian libraries through “Third Father’s Son” is a part of Latvian National Library project and one of the most successful information technology projects in the history of Latvia.  So far I have not met a single person who would have critical attitude towards this project.  It is not surprising, as new possibilities to access knowledge through modern information technologies are now available in 874 libraries all around Latvia free of charge.  It is a grand step forward in granting access to information to people and modernization of economy in Latvia,” says Minister Demakova.

The first phase of the Library Development Project, “Trešais tēva dēls,” was co-funded by the foundation (USD 17.8 million), the Latvian government, local municipalities (together approx. USD 17.8) and Microsoft (provided an $8.9 million software implementation grant) from 2006 until 2008.  During this project, all 874 public libraries in Latvia received new computer equipment and software, broadband internet connection, Wi-Fi availability and extensive librarian training.  Project support activities focused on measuring public opinion about libraries and technology use, as well as raising the image of libraries through outreach and advocacy.

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation:
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.  

The foundation’s Global Libraries initia­tive is working to open the world of knowledge, information, and opportunity to many more people. Part of the Global Development Program, Global Libraries helps public libraries around the world provide free access to computers and the Internet, and training on how to make full use of these tools. www.gatesfoundation.org

About State Agency “Culture Information Systems”:

Latvian Ministry of Culture’s State Agency “Culture Information Systems” is in charge of designing and implementing information technology projects for Latvian archives, libraries and museums. It provides technology, assists with digitalization of content and grants training for people working to identify, protect and provide public access to cultural heritage in archives, libraries and museums throughout Latvia.

Agency works with Gates foundation’s Global Libraries program since 2006, when the first phase of public library development project “Third Father’s Son” was started. As a result, 874 Latvian libraries were equipped with modern computers, new software, broadband internet, wireless internet access available for users free of charge. All librarians were trained to provide advice on the use of new technologies. www.kis.gov.lv

Media contact: Kaspars Rūklis, 3td Advocacy and PR manager, Phone: + 371 67844885, + 371 29405048; E-mail: kaspars.ruklis@3td.lv; Web: www.3td.lv, www.kis.gov.lv