Public Libraries Can Tap into Eligible Funds Worth Billions
The American Rescue Plan includes significant federal dollars that can support library programs and services that play a larger role in recovery than is generally understood.
Carl Smith, Senior Staff Writer
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April 14, 2021
| Analysis
A Gallup poll published in January 2020 found that the cultural activity that Americans engaged in most often wasn’t going to a movie theatre, concert or sporting event, but visiting a library. The most frequent users of library services were young people aged 18-29, residents of low-income households and women.
By March 2020, 98 percent of libraries had closed their buildings to some extent, a survey by the American Library Association (ALA) found. They had pivoted, and were working to augment online services and develop new ways to serve their communities during the pandemic. Some jurisdictions reassigned library staff to assist with the COVID-19 response.