JACKSONVILLE — The Vermont Department of Libraries released nearly $1 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to public libraries for equipment and supply purchases in the fall of 2021. Now, the Department of Libraries is following up with a second grant round of $320,000 to respond to local needs following the pandemic.
The funds for both grants are provided by the Institute for Museum and Library Services and are targeted directly to local communities where they can do the most good, particularly for equity, diversity and inclusion, and New Americans.
For the first round, Whitingham Free Public Library was awarded a grant in the amount of $3,549, which went toward updating patron computers and furniture.
In this second round, the library will receive $1,183. The library will use these funds to purchase a wireless LCD projector and Bluetooth public address system for use with community movie nights and other programming, remote meetings and conferences, and online programming.
ARPA funds have helped the Whitingham library upgrade technical equipment to meet the needs of the community both in person and remotely. As a result, the library says it is better equipped to serve in the community in the event of future pandemic or other emergencies.