WATERVILLE -- The Waterville Public Library has received an $11,700 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to be used for computer technology, according to library officials.

The grant is part of $8.1 million in grants earmarked for public libraries in 11 states to help improve and maintain free access to computers.

The local library will provide a $6,500 match.

Grant funds may be used to buy hardware and software for library computers that are accessible to the public, as well as for related costs such as technical support, wireless network equipment and staff training on how to best help patrons use computers. The library has multiple Internet stations, a dedicated research computer and wireless access, all available to the community, free of charge.

The Gates grant is separate from the current library capital campaign but will help to support a computer lab in a teen room planned as part of the capital campaign.

"I am very grateful for the continued generosity of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation," Library Director Sarah Sugden said. "Their belief in the importance of self-education and access to information has transformed public libraries of the twenty-first century."

The library has more than 10,000 members and hosts more than 144,000 annual visits. It has raised nearly $2.2 million toward its $3.1 million campaign goal.