Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 9, 1996

Release #499-96

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Deirdra L. Picou (212) 788-2971


MAYOR GIULIANI JOINS MICROSOFT CEO BILL GATES IN LAUNCHING "LIBRARIES ONLINE!" AT BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Mayor Commends Microsoft's $2.2 Million Donation to City's Public Library System

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates in launching "Libraries Online!," a $10.5 million philanthropic initiative to help library systems in rural and urban communities nationwide provide public access to the Internet and multimedia personal computers. The Brooklyn public library system will receive a total of $2.2 million in cash and technical assistance through this initiative. Also participating in today's ceremny were Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden, Elizabeth Martinez, President of the American Library Association and Martin Gomez, Executive Director of the Brooklyn Public Library.

"I'm pleased to be here today to celebrate Bill Gates' donation to Brooklyn Public library system -- the nation's fifth largest library system," said Mayor Giuliani. "This donation will help the Brooklyn Library lead the way into the information age. Programs like "Libraries Online!" will ensure that everyone has access to one of our era's most powerful tools -- the Internet."

"This outstanding public/private partnership among the City, The American Library Association and Microsoft has made it possible for the Brooklyn Public Library System to enter the 21st century with all 60 local library branches connected to each other and to the Internet. In addition, the City and the Borough of Brooklyn will also contribute $5.5 million to maximize Microsoft's contribution," the Mayor said.

"Through Libraries Online!, we have seen children, parents, teachers, entrepreneurs and entire communities gain access to a world of technology and information that simply was unavailable to them before," CEO Bill Gates said. "Today's national launch builds on our vision of information at your fingers by empowering people with access to the Internet and the World Wide Web. Libraries will play a pivotal role as enter the 21st Century in providing access to knowledge and opportunities for everyone."

The Mayor added, "Indeed, the City recognizes the potential power of the Internet. That is why my administration created the World Wide Web Page, NYC.gov. Recently, the web site was honored in the national competition, the "Best of the Web." I would encourage all New Yorkers to visit our City's home page at: http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us."

"The City also recognizes the critical importance of our public libraries. That is why, despite intense budgetary constraints I refused to allow the library's six day service to come to an end. It takes teamwork to build such a strong and energetic library system that's ready for the future. And I'm proud to be part of the team that makes it possible. I'm proud to be here today with so many other friends of the Brooklyn Public Library," the Mayor concluded.

"Libraries Online!" is based on the success of Microsoft's pilot program begun last year in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA). Microsoft is contributing financial and technical assistance and software to a total of 41 library systems in the U.S. and Canada, bringing the number of communities served to 215. ALA will continue to administer the program.

During the pilot project, the ALA conducted an evaluation and found that "Libraries Online!" technology is being used at maximum capacity and positively impacting the lives of library patrons. Users include recent immigrants seeking job opportunities, displaced workers, small business owners, students and families.

The mission of NYC.govis to provide the public with quick and easy access to information about our city government and the cultural, recreational, and educational activities throughout the City.


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