The state says that more than $400,000 in recovery funding will be distributed to public libraries across the state to provide relief from the economic impacts of COVID-19.
The State Library of Louisiana announced the special round of funding to for public libraries on Friday, May 29.
Through the CARES Act, the Institute for Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS) awarded $30 million to State Library Agencies nationwide. The State Library of Louisiana received $420,058 of that funding.
“Louisiana’s public libraries have been working tirelessly to create new ways to serve Louisianans remotely through online resources and virtual programming, while at the same time preparing to reopen to the public with new service and safety protocols in place,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.
According to the state, funds will be distributed to every parish library system. The funds are to be spent on expanding digital network access, purchasing internet accessible devices, and addressing digital inclusion by providing technical support services to citizens.
“We realize just how critical public libraries are to the well-being of our entire state. This is especially true of our children, many of whom rely solely upon the access of information and Wi-Fi provided by their public libraries when they are not in school,” said State Librarian Rebecca Hamilton. “This funding will provide some relief to our libraries, who are working to provide what many of our citizens need most right now – access to technology and broadband.”
For more information on the State Library of Louisiana, on resources related to COVID-19, or to use interactive maps showing the status of every public library in Louisiana, visit www.state.lib.la.us.
------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.
Download our free app for Apple,Android, Roku and Amazon devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers
