[Nmtriblibs] FW: COSLA Applauds American Rescue Plan Recognition of Libraries' Vital Role in Communities

Fri Mar 12 11:00:43 MST 2021

Good Morning librarians!

You may have heard that ARPA includes funding for libraries, similar to CARES.   ALA’s two-pager on the new funding is here<http://www.ala.org/advocacy/sites/ala.org.advocacy/files/content/libfunding/fed/American%20Rescue%20Plan%20Act%20of%202021%20ALA%20Summary.pdf>, and the COSLA announcement is below.

I am happy to share with you that New Mexico State Library’s allotment of from the $178M will be $2,458,937.

Also included is additional E-Rate funding of over $7B nationwide for libraries and schools through the Emergency Connectivity Fund to loan hotspots and devices to patrons.

We will provide more details on these sources of funding for your library as we receive them.  For both, the federal agencies that oversee the funds will be developing the rules in the coming weeks on how the money can be spent.  At this point we do not have a clear timeline, but we will let you know when we know more.

Any questions, please feel free to reach out to me!

Best,
Eli

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Eli Guinnee
New Mexico State Librarian
1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Cell (505) 629-9153
www.nmstatelibrary.org<http://www.nmstatelibrary.org/>
www.newmexicoculture.org<http://www.newmexicoculture.org/>
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COSLA Applauds American Rescue Plan Recognition of Libraries’ Vital Role in Communities
Historic boost to Library Services and Technology Act Funding enables substantive response.
https://tinyurl.com/7vname65<https://tinyurl.com/7vname65>

(Lexington, KY, March 12, 2021) – The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) signed yesterday by President Joseph R. Biden includes $200 million in pandemic response funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a move applauded by the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA).  The largest portion of this funding ($178 million) will flow through State Library Administrative Agencies which collectively have reach into every public library in the United States.  Services and programs created and sustained by these agencies are determined according to local need and address community needs ranging from internet access to education to skill-building and workforce development.

“Libraries are trusted institutions and have proven their abilities to serve all members of their communities in times of need,” said COSLA President and Montana State Librarian Jennie Stapp. “Response to the pandemic has required our nation’s libraries to flex their strengths creatively and to go more deeply down certain familiar paths, like providing broad and equitable access to internet and electronic information resources.  And in this time of crisis, libraries are supporting new service models like curbside service and support for remote education and work.  Support of core principles such as education, self-empowerment, economic opportunity, and community sustainability have proven to be important guideposts even through the unusual and even dire circumstances of the past year.

“The funding made available through ARPA will be key to further resiliency and recovery in communities across the United States,” offered Timothy Cherubini, Executive Director of COSLA.    “State Libraries diligently put previous funding from the 2020 CARES Act to use quickly and effectively.  Their knowledge and experience will prove beneficial in deploying ARPA funds when, where, and how they are most needed.”

COSLA is grateful for the support and vision of our nation’s leaders for their recognition of libraries as important community infrastructure and foundational for community well-being and growth in times of emergency and stability alike.
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About COSLA

COSLA, Inc. is an independent 501(c)3 organization of the chief officers of state and territorial agencies designated as the state library administrative agency and responsible for statewide library development. Its purpose is to provide leadership on issues of common concern and national interest; to further state library agency relationships with federal government and national organizations; and to initiate cooperative action for the improvement of library services to the people of the United

States. https://www.cosla.org/<https://www.cosla.org/>

Contact: Timothy Cherubini, COSLA Email: tcherubini at cosla.org<mailto:tcherubini at cosla.org> Telephone: (859) 514 9826

 To unsubscribe, send a request to info at cosla.org<mailto:info at cosla.org>.  For more information, contact COSLA Executive Director Timothy Cherubini at tcherubini at cosla.org.

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