(JKPL) — On Saturday, April 10, 2021, Joeten -Kiyu Public Library-CNMI State Library received exciting news of the official award notification of $211,256 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Act grant award.
According to the American Library Association ’s analysis of the act and related legislation, ARPA funding will maintain and enhance library services such as expanding digital connectivity, establishing mobile digital labs, enhancing job-seeking programs, and improving training/technical support for libraries. Each state or territory will receive an allotment of funds based on their population, with a base amount of $2 million for the states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. The base allotment for the other territories is $200,000.
Funding was made possible by the provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act (Public Law 117-2) and the IMLS authorization statute (20 U.S.C. § 9101 et seq.).
According to IMLS, “To achieve the American Rescue Plan Act’s purposes with respect to Grants to States, this funding is to be used by Sept. 30, 2022, in helping communities respond directly and immediately to the pandemic, as well as to related economic and community needs through equitable approaches.
Spending priorities are as follows:
• First, to support digital inclusion efforts to enable libraries to reach residents such as through internet hotspots, accessible Wi-Fi, and digital content and related resources, particularly in support of education, health, and workforce development needs.
• Second, to provide rapid emergency relief to libraries across the country, allowing them to safely respond to the pandemic and implement public health protocols.
• Third, to support library services that meet the needs of communities throughout the U.S., including costs such as personnel, technology, training, materials, supplies, equipment, and associated indirect costs.
Library Director Erlinda C. Naputi said, “During the pandemic, libraries have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of our community. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content and educational programs. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funding will help provide much needed funding support to our Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Bookmobile, Fernando M. Benavente Memorial Library, Antonio C. Atalig Memorial Library (Rota), and our Tinian Public Library with much needed programs and services for our underserved communities especially during this pandemic.”
She added, “We humbly thank the Institute of Museum and Library Services for awarding the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library-CNMI State Library $211,256.00 funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This funding will help ensure that our patrons from all across the CNMI — Saipan, Tinian, and Rota — have the opportunity to access virtual learning resources and technology to search for employment, learn valuable skills, and so much more!”
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov or follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.
For the latest library news and events, visit www.cnmilib.org or JKPL’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
