DPI accepting grant applications for $3 million in ARPA library pandemic relief funding

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction today announced the competitive grant application process for library relief funding is now open.

 

All Wisconsin public libraries and regional public library systems are eligible to apply for the American Rescue Plan Act funds awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. IMLS awarded Wisconsin nearly $3.3 million to be used for supporting digital inclusion efforts, providing rapid emergency relief to libraries, and supporting library services that meet the needs of local communities.

 

“Wisconsin libraries have been the core of community resilience in the wake of the pandemic,” State Librarian and Assistant State Superintendent of the DPI’s Division for Libraries and Technologies Tessa Michaelson Schmidt said. “These grants will help our libraries strengthen their extraordinary role of connecting our communities to information and resources, expand our libraries’ reach so patrons can easily and safely access resources and services, and improve the safety of library buildings across the state.”

 

Pre-application forms for competitive funding must be submitted to LibraryReport@dpi.wi.gov by October 25, 2021. In addition to the competitive grants, Wisconsin’s libraries are eligible for the ARPA Formula Grant and the ARPA Noncompetitive Grants. The submission information is forthcoming.

 

IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The grants were developed with input from IMLS, library system directors, and statewide stakeholder groups, which included digital resource specialists, technical library staff, and resource librarians.

 

For access to the pre-application forms and additional ARPA grant information, visit the ARPA for Wisconsin Libraries web page.