Library Broadband Builds Nebraska Communities

Nebraska’s libraries serve populations that have a strong need for modern, public computer centers. In many of Nebraska’s communities, the local public library is the only place where free public Internet access is provided.

Many of Nebraska’s libraries today are not equipped to fulfill current and future demand for public access to computers and the Internet. Tight operating budgets prevent libraries from being able to support the necessary capital costs to upgrade computers, to provide broadband access, and to improve other public computer center capabilities.

The Nebraska Library Commission is collaborating with multiple program partners including Nebraska Department of Labor, Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, Central Community College, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, University of Nebraska Medical Center McGoogan Library of Medicine, National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Nebraska State Court Administrator's Office, Central Community College, Nebraska Community Foundation, and Center for Rural Affairs. The goals are to enhance the broadband and computing capabilities at selected Nebraska libraries, as well as facilitate new programs targeted at job creation and training, distance learning, health information, and e-government.

This project will modernize public computer centers in Nebraska’s libraries to enable them to provide economic, educational, health and wellness, and civic participation opportunities to vulnerable and underserved populations throughout the state.

More information is available on the Library Broadband Builds Nebraska Communities website.