GPLS received $4.9 million in federal pandemic funding through the State of Georgia Office of Planning and Budget to collaborate with the Georgia Technology Authority on digital connectivity and digital literacy. A major portion ($4.6M) of the Digital Connectivity Program will be used to create a competitive subgrant program for the 60 Georgia public library systems to apply for additional connectivity devices and public Wi-Fi equipment for public use. Grant details can be found on the Digital Connectivity Program page and Application Details are on the Library Digital Connectivity Grants page.   

Annually, Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) provides subject grants through its various departments, including Archival Services, Communications, IT, Partnerships, and Youth Services. These grants are funded through different sources, from state bond funding to federal LSTA funding to private grant funding. 

Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) was recently awarded funding under the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund from federal CARES Act funding for device replacement due to increase of use during the pandemic. Targeted devices include Chromebooks, hotspots, and launchpads. All 60 library systems will have the opportunity to receive new devices to deploy for continued pandemic recovery.

Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) dedicated part of the awarded federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to fund a variety of technology and library services projects that support the expanding needs of our public libraries during the pandemic. Projects included eBooks, digital inclusion, and technology. 

Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) dedicated part of the recently awarded federal CARES Act funding, along with state and private grant funding, to fund a variety of technology projects that support the connectivity needs of our public libraries during the pandemic. Projects included G Suite migrations, Chromebook lending, tech innovations, Wi-Fi expansions, and broadband infrastructure.