The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has given libraries in seven states up to $6.9 million in grants to help them install upgraded internet connections.  It also gave $7 million to fight parasitic illnesses that plague millions in Africa.

"Through this pilot program, we will help to ensure that public libraries in seven states have support to improve their Internet speeds, ensuring that all people have the chance to connect to information, education, and economic opportunity," Gates Foundation deputy director Jill Nishi said.

The following states will receive the grants from the Gates Foundation:  Arkansas, California, Kansas, Massachusetts, New York, Texas and Virginia.  The Connected Nation will receive the money and seed it out to libraries in the seven states listed.  The Foundation also provided $850,000 to the American Library Association's Office for Information Technology.

A recent survey revealed a local library is the lone source of free Internet for the public in 73 percent of public libraries.  U.S. libraries are seeing an influx in number of visitors looking to use computers, as the economic crisis hurts a wider number of people.  Only 38.9 percent of total libraries have at least a T1 internet connection.

"Public libraries across the country have played an integral role in closing the digital divide for millions of Americans, but local governments, communities, and library supports must do more to ensure libraries can continue to provide fast, reliable Internet service for communities," she added.