ARPA Relief Grants
arpa relief grants
Services and technology to aid recovery
COVID-19 continues to impact library services on a daily basis. Experts in technology, communications, and social change were surveyed on what life would be like by 2025 due to the pandemic with the prediction that people will develop an even greater reliance on digital tools that swiftly evolve (Source: Pew Research Center). Public libraries will be expected to keep up with this rapid evolution of digital tools and to provide more digital services to their patrons as a result.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 designated $200 million to the Institute of Museum and Library Services. A portion of that funding has been awarded to state library agencies for COVID-19 relief and must be used by September 30, 2022. Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) will dedicate part of this funding in three key areas: eBooks, technology projects, and digital inclusion efforts.
More information on the grant can be found in the FAQs or Resources pages. Please email the LIFT Grants Help Desk with any questions.
EBOOKS - Awarded August 2021
Direct-to-vendor allocation to purchase eBooks for COVID-19 recovery. Some libraries may need to spend funding on eBooks via a subgrant contract with a reimbursement process.
Total Funding Awarded: $1,000,000.00
ARPA TECH - Awarded September 2021
Technology projects that support COVID-19 relief and recovery, including hardware and software not traditionally funded under the Lib Tech Fund program and supplies/materials that support requested technology. Awards will be a subgrant contract with a reimbursement process.
Total Funding Awarded: $889,480.80
DIGITAL INCLUSION - Awarded September 2021
Projects for library services that support COVID-19 relief and recovery with a focus on outreach and virtual learning/programming. Awards will be a subgrant contract with a reimbursement process.
Total Funding Awarded: $1,137,737.67