Local libraries receive Gates grants

Riverside Regional Library is receiving a $35,365 grant and Cape Girardeau Public Library is receiving a $11,375 grant through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Missouri Secretary of State Matt Blunt announced Thursday.

Blunt worked with the foundation to improve Missouri's libraries, one of his top administrative and legislative priorities.

The Cape Girardeau library will receive four Gates stand-alone computers and a laser printer. The Riverside Regional Library will receive two stand-alone computers and a laser printer each for its Altenburg branch and Oran branch and four stand-alone computers and a laser printer for its Perryville branch.

The foundation's library program is dedicated to partnering with libraries to bring access to computing, the Internet and digital information in communities with low-income residents.