Four new wireless laptop computers will soon be available to patrons at Bayliss Public Library in Sault Ste. Marie and Drummond Island, part of the proceeds of a nearly $1 million grant that Michigan State University will use to help expand broadband Internet access in libraries in under-served areas of Michigan. The library in Sault Ste. Marie will get three of the new computers and the Drummond Island branch library will get one.

Bayliss Director Ken Miller said he isn't yet sure when the library will receive the computers, but this is good news for patrons, since use of computers at the library is at an all-time high. The wireless laptops will be versatile tools because they'll offer online access anywhere in the building, he told The St. Ignace News Thursday, January 28.

Identifying a strong need in Michigan for improved technology infrastructure, Michigan State University will receive $895,482 in federal funds to expand almost 90 existing library computer centers and establish new centers to provide access for people in 15 counties. The funds will be shared among libraries that are in population areas needing technology improvements, and showing the greatest need for additional computing capacity.

The project will link people in rural and under-served areas with faster Internet technology as a way to aid economic development in these areas, according to the university.

"This project is a tremendous opportunity to help our state significantly build its technology infrastructure, which is key to the future," said Kurt DeMaagd, an assistant professor of telecommunication, information studies, and media who is leading the project. "MSU students will gain valuable hands-on experience in helping to set up these crucial computing systems, while at the same time boosting these Michigan communities socially and economically."

Economic development planners have also identified a need for improved access to broadband Internet across the Eastern Upper Peninsula region.

The Bayliss library chain based in Sault Ste. Marie also has branches in Curtis, Moran, Engadine, and Cedarville.

Besides Chippewa County, other counties receiving computers and equipment from the grant are Clare, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Huron, Leelanau, Marquette, Menominee, Oakland, Oscoda, Otsego, Sanilac, Tuscola, and Van Buren.

The grant is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.