To better serve these communities, the foundation has $8 million to support public libraries in 11 states that suffer from problems such as outdated technology. The local library is one of 83 across the state eligible to receive a portion of $969,800 of funding.

"In todayÕs economy, it is critical that people have equal access to the information and knowledge that are available online," said Jill Nishi, deputy director of the U.S. Libraries initiative at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. "Nearly all public libraries in the United States provide this access as many struggle to keep pace with advancing technology and rapidly increasing community demand for these services."

Those problems affect Penns Grove, but with the boroughÕs bleak economic outlook, itÕs unlikely that the library will receive the assistance.

Part of the problem of low funding stems from the aftermath from last yearÕs fiscal crisis surrounding former board President H. Donald Stewart Jr. who embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It was learned that over a period of 14 years while serving as board president, Stewart had funneled more than $500,000 in funds from the library's general account into a separate, private account of which only he accessed.

"Our budget is tight and we really need things weÕre not able to get now," said Linda Huff, board president. "We've done fundraisers ... intend to do more. We're trying to come up with more ideas like basket bingo."

The lack of a bike rack, an insubstantial parking lot, peeling paint, and no computer desk chairs are just a few of the continuing problems incurred over the years as the library suffered from a deteriorating budget.

The library, which is located at 222 South Broad St., is a non-profit organization meant to serve roughly 14,500 residents from Penns Grove Borough, Carneys Point Township, and Oldmans Township based on means it receives through fundraising efforts and donations.

Even though the Gates FoundationÕs offer is considered grant money, itÕs meant for libraries to match the funding. While primary funding for public libraries is obtained from local sources, the grant requires participating libraries to secure funds demonstrating they can maintain investments in technology into the future, according to the Gates Foundation public relations department.

"It was our understanding that it is not an outright gift," she said. "ItÕs matching grant funds and weÕre not able to do that financially. We did the paperwork and went over it, but donÕt think itÕs possible. WeÕre open to ideas and suggestions."

Huff agrees that as students prepare for their return to school, demands for newer technology increases almost daily from teachers with homework assignments.

Despite the difficult time the library is facing, Huff said there are some positive improvements being made.

"The library has got a lot of new books on a regular basis through donations," she said. "We just updated our computers. Made it so the kids can come in with their memory sticks, save their information, and make homework easier."