ARPA Relief Grants

Services and technology to aid recovery

FY2022 ARPA Relief Grants Infographic Page.pdf

COVID-19 continued 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 was awarded to state library agencies for COVID-19 recovery. Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) dedicated part of this funding for library subgrants in three key areas: eBooks, technology projects, and digital inclusion efforts.

AWARD TOTAL: $4,333,563.00

EBOOKS - Awarded August 2021

Direct-to-vendor allocation to purchase eBooks for COVID-19 recovery. Some libraries spent funding on eBooks via a subgrant contract with a reimbursement process.

Total Funding Awarded: 60 awards totaling $1,000,000.00

ARPA TECH - Awarded September 2021

Technology projects that assisted COVID-19 relief and recovery, including hardware and software not traditionally funded under the Lib Tech Fund program and supplies/materials that supported requested technology. Awards will be a subgrant contract with a reimbursement process.

Total Funding Awarded: 52 awards totaling $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: 27 awards totaling $1,137,737.67

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