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Bandwidth, computers pour into local libraries

| July 19, 2011 9:00 PM

HAYDEN - They're kicking technology up a notch with increased bandwidth and new computers at several area libraries in the Community Library Network.

Libraries in Athol, Harrison, Pinehurst, Rathdrum and Spirit Lake are among 55 selected in Idaho to participate in the Idaho Commission for Libraries' grant from the Federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.

Kootenai-Shoshone Library District Director John Hartung said patrons of rural libraries are seeing faster responses in their job searches, e-government services and informal education resources.

Workshops designed for those who are new to searching the Internet, setting up emails or wanting to learn how to tap into the Idaho Department of Labor resources will be offered over the summer at all district libraries.

More information about the workshops and other library information can be found at www.communitylibrary.net.

The increased bandwidth is like going from a garden hose to a fire hose capacity as far as data flow goes, Hartung said. Combined with Hayden and Post Falls libraries, 110,000 residents are expected to benefit from the improved bandwidth. The increase in broadband has been completed in all but the Harrison and Pinehurst locations and those libraries are expected to come online later this summer when towers are finished.

Along with the increased bandwidth, libraries also received desktop replacements and laptops. The hardware alone is valued at $53,934.

The project complements steps the Community Library Network has taken since adding Post Falls into the district in October of last year.