Eastern Oklahoma Library System receives grant for pandemic relief, recovery | News
The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) has awarded a $108,479 grant to Japanese Oklahoma Library Technique to address impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. ODL offered focused grants to Oklahoma public libraries as part of the agency’s plan for use of American Rescue Prepare Act (ARPA) cash.
Executive Director Mary Moroney suggests the grant will be applied to improve computer system connectivity and network improvement all over the program.
“The pandemic developed a need for superior know-how entry for our patrons, who rely on the library’s connectivity for almost everything from on the web education and meetings, to position searching and applying for community assistance,” Moroney stated. “Wi-Fi is accessible from the parking tons even when the libraries are closed, delivering 24/7 access for all those who could or else have none. ARPA money have now provided 82 desktop pcs, 15 laptops, a network extender and some more hotspots for various branches. We have switched out upholstered personal computer chairs for 49 washable mesh process chairs eight computer system visitor chairs with arms are on order.”
Jackie Kropp, director of the Place of work of Library Growth at ODL, reported grants totaling $1.45 million have been supplied to 93 municipal libraries and all eight of the state’s library techniques.
“The grants are funding a various array of things and assignments to protect public wellbeing and guarantee ongoing companies,” Kropp claimed. “The approach authorized for a wide variety of options so that unique libraries could ask for grant resources to meet their most pressing requirements.”
Kropp said libraries could acquire PPE and conveniently-cleanable furniture, fund network enhancements and Wi-Fi expansion, acquire connectivity devices for social distancing and remote obtain to online methods, assistance movie convention capabilities, purchase health and wellness components for their collections, and even spend for temporary staffing to help in the restoration process.
The spending conditions was presented by the Institute of Museum and Library Solutions and based mostly on ARPA laws.
In addition to the public library grants, ODL is working with ARPA funds to also deliver grants to adult literacy packages, museums, and tribal libraries and cultural facilities. Other ODL-sponsored ARPA initiatives in the performs consist of an Online Large University pilot with 6 community libraries, the launch of a telehealth pilot program, online resources for research support, an early literacy software for 30 tiny and rural public libraries, and procurement of document scanning stations for picked libraries.