Submitted by Linda Todd, Library Development Specialist  and Elyse DeQuoy, Graduate Assistant

Over the past few months, there have been numerous press and media events held across the State of New York regarding the announcement and openings of Public Computing Centers (PCC) located in public libraries. These PCCs have been made possible through the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and awarded to the New York State Library through a competitive grant program. More information about the grant can be found at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nybbexpress/index.html.

Events so far have been held at:

  • Albany Public Library, Albany, NY
  • Alfred Box of Books, Alfred, NY
  • Amsterdam Free Library, Amsterdam, NY
  • Baldwinsville Public Library, Baldwinsville, NY
  • Crandall Public Library, Glens Falls, NY
  • Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Haverstraw, NY
  • James Prendergast Library, Jamestown, NY
  • Mid-York Library System, Utica, NY
  • Moore Memorial Library, Greene, NY
  • New Rochelle Public Library, New Rochelle, NY
  • Oswego Public Library, Oswego, NY
  • Plattsburgh Public Library, Plattsburgh, NY
  • Poughkeepsie Public Library, Poughkeepsie, NY
  • Southeast Steuben County Library, Corning, NY
  • Southern Tier Library System-JobLink Mobile Service
  • Utica Public Library, Utica, NY
  • Wayland Free Library, Wayland, NY

These events announced the awards, included speakers informing the press and public about the program, focused on the partnerships which have been developed and strengthened, provided a tour of already operational PCCs, and even offered training classes to attendees.  Many of the events were attended by library staff and board members, local and city officials, mayors, and elected local and state legislators as well as candidates. 

Congressman Bill Owens was present at the Plattsburgh Public Library media events and Congressman Scott Murphy attended the Crandall Public Library award announcement. Regent Dawson attended the event at the Plattsburgh Public Library and Regent Philips was present at the Poughkeepsie Public Library event.

Deputy Commissioner of the State Department of Labor Mario Musolino spoke at the award announcement for Crandall Public Library.  Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, CIO and Director of the New York State Governor’s Office for Technology (OFT), and Jeffrey Cannell, Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education, were present at the event held at the Albany Public Library.  Deputy Commissioner Cannell was also present at the media event held in Poughkeepsie.  Many of these events have had local media coverage, allowing more New Yorkers to be informed of these PCCs at their local libraries and what they can do help individuals and communities. 

More media events are planned for the coming months with the next upcoming ones at Geneva Public Library, Geneva, NY; Western Sullivan Public Library; Potsdam Public Library, Potsdam, NY; and Jefferson Community College, Watertown, NY.  More information can be found on the New York State Library website at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nybbexpress/news.htm.

Earlier this year, the New York State Library was awarded federal stimulus funding of $9,521,150 in the Public Computer Center category as part of the round one funding of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP).  The funds will be used to create PCCs in 30 public libraries and 5 E-mobile computer training units.  This project will enable public libraries to extend hours, upgrade connectivity, add more than 800 new public computer workstations, and provide access to 24/7 job search resources in 41 economically distressed upstate New York counties.  It is anticipated that more than 6 million New York residents will be served through this program.

Linda Todd from the Division of Library Development has been present at numerous events including the Plattsburgh media event.