Homework Zone
In 2001, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners dispensed over $2.4 million in Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant “money to more than 80 public, academic, school. Regional, and special libraries.” A portion of these funds went to public libraries wanting to participate in the Homework Zone project. The Homework Zone programs are based on partnerships between libraries and schools. Homework assignments are communicated through a web site, allowing students, teachers, parents, and librarians to become familiar with electronic resources. For more information: http://www.few.com/civic/articles/2001/0723/web-mass-07-27-01.asp

Internet Workshops
The Boston Public Library branches, like many other libraries in Massachusetts, offer regular Internet workshops. The Dudley Branch Library’s Literacy Center services include programs in computer literacy skills that are open to groups of “adult basic education students and service providers.” The Dudley Literacy Center was established in 1989 with a grant from the Boston Globe Foundation. For more information: http://www.bpl.org/branches/dudleylrc.htm

U.S. Library Program
In 2002, Massachusetts was selected as the recipient of a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation U.S. Library Program to provide public access to computers, the Internet, and digital information at all public Massachusetts libraries. The grant will also provide training and technical support for library staff. The Massachusetts program will be implemented in 2003. For more information:
http://www.mlin.lib.ma.us.mblc/publications/newsrel/nro21001.shtml