Bell Atlantic brings new Internet connection to Peters Township Library

Eager to surf the Net? Want to know what all the talk is about? Peters Township residents will be introduced to their library's new Internet connection at an open house this Monday, Dec. 16 beginning at 1:30 p.m. The library is located at 610-A East McMurray Road in McMurray, Pa.

State legislators and community leaders have been invited to a ribbon-cutting celebration that will officially unveil the new Internet capability. Refreshments will be served, and two high school seniors, skilled in using computers, will be on hand to help users explore the wonders of the worldwide network.

Internet connections will be available on two computer terminals with graphics capabilities in the main reference area. Anyone may use the terminals during regular business hours on a first come, first served basis.

Peters Township's new Internet connection is being provided through a partnership between Bell Atlantic-Pennsylvania and the state Department of Education. Bell Atlantic donated $750,000 last spring to launch "OnLine at PA Libraries." This initiative is connecting 188 public libraries across the state to the Internet, as well as providing hardware and software, and training librarians to use the worldwide network.

"This project is part of Bell Atlantic's Pennsylvania Advantage initiative -- our commitment to improving education, health care and economic development for all Pennsylvanians," said William Harral, Bell Atlantic - Pennsylvania president and CEO.

"Libraries are ideal sites for Internet access, enabling individuals to access a multitude of information sources. Even in Pennsylvania's rural areas, the focus of this project, no one is more than 10 miles away from a library."

Education Secretary Eugene W. Hickok praised the project as a strong complement to "Link to Learn," Gov. Tom Ridge's $121 million statewide initiative to expand use of technology in education including libraries.

In accepting Bell Atlantic's donation last April, First Lady Michele Ridge said, "Technology is our link to the future . . . expanded access to the Internet will empower Pennsylvanians of all ages with information that educates, improves life skills and connects them to a world of opportunity."

The Internet is a worldwide "network of networks" with an estimated forty million users. Because of its low cost and almost unlimited reach, people of all ages are discovering the power of surfing the 'Net. Using simple point-and-click devices, users can find almost any type of information from the price of a new car to the latest medical research. They can access government data bases, browse through museums, or view the universe through the eyes of the Hubble Space Telescope.

To qualify for the Bell Atlantic grant, libraries submitted an application and agreed to dedicate a staff member for training. The process was administered by the state Education Department which also selected the equipment and coordinated the training.

In addition to On Line at PA Libraries, Bell Atlantic also has presented grants totaling over $2 million to bring the latest technology to the Commonwealth's communities and classrooms.

Bell Atlantic Corporation (NYSE: BEL) is at the forefront of the new communications, entertainment and information industry. In the mid-Atlantic region, the company is the premier provider of local telecommunications and advanced services. Globally, it is one of the largest investors in the high-growth wireless communication marketplace. Bell Atlantic also owns a substantial interest in Telecom Corporation of New Zealand and is actively developing high-growth national and international business opportunities in all phases of the industry.