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 funding will be used to create a competitive subgrant program for 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. 

Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) was 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 included Chromebooks, hotspots, and launchpads. All 60 Georgia library systems had 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 supported the expanding recovery of our public libraries during the pandemic. Focus areas included eBooks, digital inclusion, and technology. 

Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) dedicated part of awarded federal CARES Act funding, along with state and private grant funding, to fund a variety of technology projects that supported connectivity and access to public library services during the pandemic. Focus areas included G Suite migrations, Chromebooks, tech innovations, Wi-Fi expansions, and broadband infrastructure.