Fiscal Note
No fiscal impact.
Title
Resolution Honoring the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and its Contribution to Building the Capacity of Public Libraries.
Body
WHEREAS, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has established itself as the 21st Century Andrew Carnegie for public libraries and the people and communities they serve; and
WHEREAS, the Gates Foundation was a pioneer in understanding the risks of the digital divide and the importance of digital inclusion; and
WHEREAS, the Gates Foundation challenged public libraries to become technology leaders and provided millions of dollars to help libraries become go-to resources and trusted guides in an increasingly digital world; and
WHEREAS, the Gates Foundation provided a significant investment to develop Edge, a national technology benchmarking system created to ensure that public libraries have the right technology to meet today’s needs and the promise of tomorrow; and
WHEREAS, with its commitment to ensuring that all people have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life, the Gates Foundation has had a profound impact in communities across the country; and
WHEREAS, the work of the Gates Foundation has enhanced the capacity, value, and power of public libraries as vital community assets; and
WHEREAS, the Madison Public Library and the residents of the City of Madison have benefitted from the vision, commitment, and support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Madison thanks the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for it groundbreaking work in support of public libraries
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Madison recognizes and appreciates the importance of the Madison Public Library as an essential community resource to support community goals, meet the diverse education needs of our residents from birth through senior years, and ensure equal access to the opportunities of the 21st century.