Created in the first quarter of the 20^th century, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is commemorating its 85^th anniversary this year by awarding grants totaling $850,000 to advance 21^st century computer and Internet technologies at public libraries in 29 Greater Hartford communities.

Specifically, the Tolland Public Library has received $29,775 for the purchase of five PCs, six laptops with Wi-Fi, six e-book readers, and consultants to conduct specialized training and career planning to increase access to the library’s computers and increase workshops in job development skills and career planning for residents in the Tolland area.

“Visit any library and it’s obvious they are no longer just about borrowing books, music and movies,” said Linda J. Kelly, president of the Hartford Foundation. “Technology is transforming the ways in which people access, acquire and share information. Residents visit libraries to find jobs, do homework, apply for college, do research, use e-mail, and read the news – much of this online.”

A national survey shows that nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older – some 77 million people – used a public library computer or wireless network to access the Internet last year. The majority of library Internet users surveyed said they have a connection at home but they go to the library because the connection is faster and, if needed, they can ask a librarian for technical help.

In the face of this heavy demand, and cuts in private, corporate and government funding due to the recession, libraries are struggling to replace aging software programs and equipment, said Kelly.  The Hartford Foundation’s goal for this anniversary project is to strengthen the technological capacity of libraries to help them meet the growing needs of their users.

For the 85^th anniversary awards, each library was asked to submit a digital technology proposal, with a maximum request of $30,000.  Approved proposals include updating wiring; improving and increasing hardware and software; expanding workstation space; more computer classes and technical support; improving Internet connections; subscriptions to online publications; purchasing digital cameras, music devices and e-book readers; and speedier electronic checking out of items.

While all the proposals are geared to benefit library users of all ages, many stressed the added value to job seekers, people with disabilities, immigrants learning English as a Second Language and senior citizens, all categories that often include a high percentage of lower-income individuals. The national survey reported that low-income adults were more likely to rely on the public library for access to computers and the Internet than any other income group.

According to the Connecticut Library Association’s Web site, every year Americans visit the library more often than they go to the movies, and six times more often than they attend live sporting events.  One in every two Americans has a library card. Approximately 12,000 of the nation’s 16,000 public libraries offer free Wi-Fi, more than any commercial establishment.

Libraries receiving the 85^th anniversary grants are: Andover Public Library, Avon Free Public Library, Bentley Memorial Library in Bolton, Canton Public Library, Cora J. Beldon Library in Rocky Hill, Douglas Library of Hebron, East Granby Public Library, East Hartford Public Library, Enfield Public Library, Farmington Libraries, Granby Public Library, Hall Memorial Library in Ellington, Hartford Public Library, Kent Memorial Library in Suffield, Library Association of Warehouse Point in East Windsor; Lucy Robbins Welles Library in Newington, Manchester Public Library, Prosser Public Libraries in Bloomfield, Richmond Memorial Library in Marlborough, Rockville Public Library in Vernon, Simsbury Public Library, Somers Public Library, South Windsor Public Library, Tolland Public Library, Welles-Turner Memorial Library in Glastonbury, West Hartford Public Library, Wethersfield Public Library, Windsor Locks Public Library and Windsor Public Library.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for the 29-town Greater Hartford region, dedicated to improving the quality of life for area residents for the past 85 years.  The Foundation receives gifts from thousands of generous individuals and families, and last year, awarded grants of more than $25 million to a broad range of area nonprofit organizations.  For more information about the Hartford Foundation, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.