CARMEL – The Simpson Memorial Library is the recent recipient of a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Opportunity Online Hardware Grant. The grant provides three new computers and includes the cost of maintaining the computers for four years. The purchase of peripherals and technical training are also covered by the grant.

The grant will be phased in over a two-year period and requires the library to provide matching funds of $1,300 a year. The first year will provide two new computers in 2009, with a third computer arriving by 2010. To help raise funds the library is raffling off a number of items including an autographed edition of Stephen King’s “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft,” handmade crafts and gift certificates from area businesses. The drawing will be held at the Community Tree Lighting at the library at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.