R.I. libraries get $1.6M donation

PROVIDENCE – OSHEAN Inc. and Ocean State Libraries (OSL) have been awarded $1.2 million in federal stimulus funds and $400,000 from the Champlin Foundations to expand broadband Internet access in the state’s public libraries.
The combined $1.6 million in grants will be used by OSHEAN and OSL to replace 327 existing computers and to add more than 400 new workstations in Rhode Island libraries. The improvements are expected to expand library service by 6,900 additional users per week.
The groups also plan to submit an application for a second grant in March. This second broadband infrastructure grant, worth nearly $30 million, would provide direct broadband service to institutions across Rhode Island, including hospitals, universities and community health centers. •