FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 11, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christa Porter
402-471-3107
800-307-2665
Nebraska Library Commission Awards CARES Act Grants to Advance Digital Equity
Today the Nebraska Library Commission announced the recipients of $175,105 in COVID-19 response grants to 64 libraries across the state and the Central Plains Library System. Provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the grants will be used by local libraries to address digital inclusion and related technical support in the context of workforce development and broadband availability, including:
- COVID-19 PPE Response Supplies – Disinfectant sprays and wipes; masks; gloves; sneeze guards for desks and counters; hand sanitizer stations; touchless soap/paper towel dispensers; keyboard covers.
- Virtual Summer Reading Programs – statewide, year-long subscription to Reader Zone; virtual programming; craft bag supplies.
- Wireless hotspots, laptops, and tablets to lend to patrons
- Wi-Fi extenders to expand broadband access beyond the library facility
- Digital Content: Fee to join the Nebraska OverDrive Group; additional purchases of other ebooks and audiobooks.
“Nebraska libraries have been resourceful and responsive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acting within public health safety guidance and restrictions, libraries have sought to extend services outside of library walls.” said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner. “Library grant funding provided through the CARES Act support libraries in acquiring needed supplies, paying for technology upgrades, purchasing digital content, and more.”
Grant recipients include:
| Central Plains Library System Albion Public Library Arapahoe Public Library Arcadia Township Library Axtell Public Library Bayard Public Library Beaver City Public Library Bellevue Public Library Bennington Public Library Broken Bow Public Library Butler Memorial Library Central City Public Library Chadron Public Library Columbus Public Library Crawford Public Library Dakota City Public Library David City, Hruska Memorial Public Library Dodge, John Rogers Memorial Library Elmwood Public Library Fairmont Public Library Falls City Library & Arts Center Franklin Public Library Fremont, Keene Memorial Library Friend, Gilbert Public Library Gering Public Library Grand Island Public Library Grant, Hastings Memorial Library Harrison, Sioux County Public Library Hartington Public Library Hemingford Public Library Kimball Public Library La Vista Public Library Leigh Public Library | Louisville Public Library Lyons Public Library Madison Public Library Neligh Public Library Norfolk Public Library North Bend Public Library Oakland Public Library Omaha Public Library Ord Township Library Oshkosh Public Library Pender, House Memorial Library Lied Pierce Public Library Plymouth Public Library Ponca Carnegie Library Ralston, Baright Public Library Lied Randolph Public Library Ravenna Public Library Sargent Township Library Schuyler Public Library Lied Scottsbluff Public Library Shelby Community Library Sutton Memorial Library Taylor Public Library Valentine Public Library Verdigre Public Library Walthill Public Library Waterloo, Agnes Robinson Waterloo Public Library Wausa, Lied Lincoln Township Library Wayne Public Library Western, Struckman-Baatz Public Library Lied Winside Public Library Wood River, Maltman Memorial Library |
The Nebraska Library Commission received the funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support the role of museums and libraries in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. In March, Congress provided the federal agency a total of $50 million in the CARES Act to distribute to states and territories.
IMLS Director Crosby Kemper III said, “COVID-19 has not only created a public health emergency, but it has also created a deep need for trusted community information, education, and connection that our libraries and museums are designed to provide. Access to and use of all kinds of health, job, government, educational, and community resources are necessary to weathering the current situation, beginning efforts to reopen, and sustaining our institutions.”
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
