The Sno-Isle Library System is one of the 17 libraries that will benefit from the Washington State Library portion of a grant funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Gates Foundation announced more than $4 million in new funding to help ten community foundations, the Washington State Library, and the Legal Aid for Washington Fund. The contribution is focused to provide greater resources for residents as they look for work or seek support for basic needs, including food and family programs.

"The recession has affected thousands of families in our state, and many need a hand as they work toward economic recovery and stability," said William H. Gates Sr., co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. "At the same time, many of Washington's community support organizations are stretched thin by meeting a growing demand for services at a time when it's difficult to raise funds."

Sno-Isle Libraries, which will share in $400,000 earmarked for libraries statewide in the Renew Washington Grant Program, has committed to purchasing 30 notebook computers, which will be dedicated for job seekers by providing online resources for skills building and job search.

"This will allow us to waive the 2-hour-a-day computer limit on these notebook computers, recognizing that job seekers often need more time for job searching, completing an application, developing a resume, or working to improve their computer skills," said Mary Kelly, community relations manager for Sno-Isle Libraries.

The notebook computers will be available at the Darrington, Granite Falls, Lynnwood, Marysville, Oak Harbor, Stanwood, and Sultan libraries.

"Based on our assessment, these communities are in greatest need for this additional resource," Kelly explained, "either because of high demand from the rest of the community, or distance from other employment resources."

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