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Tag Archives: 2021 American Rescue Plan Act
ARPA Report – St. Edward Public Library
St. Edward Public Library used ARPA funds to support the community!
Several areas of the community, along with the library, were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The library’s project targeted specific areas such as infection control, library organization, support for local students, support for homeschooling families, stress relief, and support for Hispanic families.
School administration did not feel it was safe for elementary students to take field trips. So, the library provided several educational programs. These programs covered topics such as pet care, habitats of exotic animals, raptor recovery, wildlife and water conservation within our state, sea turtles, penguins, ocean life, prehistoric oceans, and an art class taught by a local artist. Adult painting classes were also hosted in an attempt to relieve some of the anxiety and stress that resulted due to the pandemic.
Due to this increase in programming, additional organization space was needed. Some of the funds were used to add another file cabinet to the library’s workroom. Also, the library purchased an air purifier to improve infection control.
During this time, the community saw an increase in homeschooling. To aid in this transition, the library added a Homeschooling Resource section. These materials included books from Around the World geography curriculum, Imagination Station history curriculum, Ocean Anatomy, Farm Anatomy, Nature Anatomy, Food Anatomy, and Homeschooling Tips and Ideas for parents.
Lastly, some of the Hispanic members of the community struggled with the language barrier. This lead to problems obtaining services and health care. Some of the ARPA funds were used to obtain bilingual books and materials for the library’s conversational ESL class.
The library has seen success through its projects. Programs for the local students were well attended and some of the teachers have expanded the programs into their classrooms. The library is also working with the local school to provide during and after school sessions.
The homeschooling parents have formed friendships and a support system for each other. There is talk about forming a co-op to bring the kids together for some classes and experiences. Materials for the homeschooling families will continue to be added to the library’s collection and space for the co-op will be provided.
The library’s adult patrons have expressed appreciation for its stress relieving programs. The library is also in the process of scheduling more adult and senior programs.
Local businesses and services, along with the school, have indicated that the library’s English classes for the Hispanic community members have been helping with communication. The Boone County Foundation has expressed interest in helping the continuation of the ESL classes.
The biggest lesson learned was that the library has that ability to be safe space where all are able to come to be nurtured, taught, or just welcomed.
______________________________________________________________________________
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is result of the federal stimulus bill passed by Congress. The Nebraska Library Commission received a one-time award of $2,422,166. A portion of this funding has been allocated for three projects: Formula based grant program, NLC Library Improvement Grants, and NLC Youth Grants for Excellence.
This project is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.
For more information about the 2021 American Rescue Plan, visit www.nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/arpa/index.aspx
ARPA Report – Plainview Public Library
Plainview Public Library used ARPA funds to add new items to its collection and show patrons the value of returning to the library!
When the COVID pandemic hit, patrons did not use the library as much. The purchase of new items and equipment show patrons all that the library has to offer. Some of these new items include a cricut maker and mug press, sublimation printer and supplies. The cricut maker and printer provide patrons with the option to make gifts, etc. in case they are low on funds due to the pandemic.
In an effort to get kids back into the library and involved in its programs, the library purchased indoor games and snap circuits, Osmo kits and a Kindle Fire to be used with the Osmo kits and breakout kits. It purchased circuit cubes robots, gears go garage and robots roll kits to be used with the LEGOS to get the kids interested in playing with the LEGOS again. Finally, the MakeDo kits to get kids creating with cardboard. The first project the children made were snowplows out of cardboard boxes.
The pandemic highlighted the importance of fresh air and sunshine. The new outside games at Plainview Public Library allows patrons to go outside and play. In addition, a vacuum was also purchased to keep the library a clean environment.
In the summer of 2022, the library hosted the LEGO Guy and Dino O’Dell to get patrons in the library and involved in its programs. This also gave community members an opportunity to get out of their homes and do something fun! For these two presentations, the library had 68 children and 22 adults in attendance.
There was a 10% increase in attendance for the library’s after school and summer reading programs. There was also a 10% increase in new patrons who came to check out the cricut maker, mug press, and sublimation printer.
The most significant lesson learned is that no matter how prepared you think you are, when a pandemic hits, you learn even more.
______________________________________________________________________________
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is result of the federal stimulus bill passed by Congress. The Nebraska Library Commission received a one-time award of $2,422,166. A portion of this funding has been allocated for three projects: Formula based grant program, NLC Library Improvement Grants, and NLC Youth Grants for Excellence.
This project is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.
For more information about the 2021 American Rescue Plan, visit www.nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/arpa/index.aspx
ARPA Report – Karlen Memorial Library
Karlen Memorial Library used ARPA funds to make improvements to the library!
Keeping the library clean during COVID took a toll on the two vacuums. One overheated and the second lost suction and failed to clean the library carpets. With funds provided through ARPA, the library was able to purchase a new commercial vacuum to replace the two that broke. Another beneficial purchase was made to prevent the spread of germs. The second purchase made by the library was a new touchless water fountain/bottle filler.
In the past, the library directed patrons to West Point or Wisner for their small laminating projects. Now, with the use of the newly purchased laminator, the library is able to meet the needs of patrons who wish to laminate small items as well as larger projects, such as newspapers and posters.
Another purchase made by the library were Magna-Tiles and KEVA Planks for its STEM program. When the library resumed in-person programming, staff searched for new program ideas and new ways to increase attendance during the summer months. In addition, a new Bingo cage and Bingo cards were purchased for the library’s Friday Game Day program. Prior to owning its own materials, the library borrowed Bingo materials from the American Legion. Now that the library has its own set, it is available when needed.
Lastly, with funds provided through ARPA, the library was able to acquire a refrigerator. Since its reopening following COVID, the library has started to hold more events for its patrons. The refrigerator allows cold beverages and snacks to be served for meetings and events.
The library board spent considerable time brainstorming ways that the ARPA funds could meet the needs of the community. The items have been well received by library patrons and community members. The library is appreciative of the ARPA grant and satisfied with the purchases that were made.
_________________________________________________________________________________
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is result of the federal stimulus bill passed by Congress. The Nebraska Library Commission received a one-time award of $2,422,166. A portion of this funding has been allocated for three projects:Formula based grant program, NLC Library Improvement Grants, and NLC Youth Grants for Excellence.
For more information about the 2021 American Rescue Plan, visit www.nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/arpa/index.aspx
