ARPA, the $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan Act, was signed by President Joe Biden in March of 2021. The Wayne County Library was invited by the Tennessee State Library and Archives to apply for a grant opportunity using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The library applied and was recently notified the application was approved for $21,510.
The grant offered libraries several categories to apply for:
•Technology equipment – funding for hardware, software, networking equipment, peripherals, and other technology items
•Website design – hire website designers for the purpose of creating or redesigning their website and would also include hosting fees
•Digital materials – e-books, e-audio, playaway devices, etc.
•Library materials – print and physical audio/video materials
•Library furniture and equipment – provide for furniture and equipment to improve social distancing for patrons and staff for ADA accommodations, or to provide private workstations for patrons to access telehealth and workforce development services.
The library is required to pay a 10% match of $2,390 according to the population served. The contract will begin July 1, 2021 and will end June 30, 2022. The grant total is $23,900. This grant will provide new computers and receipt printers at the Wayne County Library and the branch libraries in Collinwood and Clifton. Also, each library will receive library and digital materials. A private workstation at the Wayne County Library will provide privacy for patrons to access telehealth and workforce development services.
This grant will provide the Wayne County Library System added resources to better serve the community.
