Stimulus money to upgrade library Internet service

Rhode Island will get $1.2 million in federal stimulus money to expand broadband Internet service at 71 public libraries, the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced Friday.

The money will be used to replace 327 computers and add more than 403 new workstations in Rhode Island libraries. An administration news release estimated that the expanded capacity would let the libraries serve more than 6,900 additional users per week.

It will also pay for:

* The creation of 10 mobile computer centers, which will be used to bring computer training and access into underserved and rural communities with high rates of unemployment.

* The expansion of computer training programs, with courses taught in multiple languages, including Spanish.

* The expansion of access to educational programs offered by the University of Rhode Island, the Pell Marine Science Library and the Community College of Rhode Island.