COVID-19

CHICAGO — From the moment the pandemic took hold in Spring 2020, libraries and library workers have demonstrated their fortitude and flexibility by adapting to physical closures, social distancing guidelines, and a host of other challenges. Despite the obstacles, they’ve been able to stay connected to their communities—and helped connect the people in their communities to each other, as well as to the information and services they need and enjoy.

Libraries bypassed for emergency funding in omnibus spending package  

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Library Association (ALA) welcomed the eighth consecutive increase in federal fiscal year (FY) appropriations to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The regular FY 2021 budget bill, passed on December 21 alongside the $900 billion Emergency Covid Relief spending package, includes an additional $5 million for IMLS, including $2 million for the Library Services and Technology Act.  

ALA is urging library advocates to contact their U.S. representatives and senators with an ask to provide funding for libraries in a COVID relief package as House and Senate members work to pass an emergency assistance plan before adjourning for the year.

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA) and Microsoft are teaming up to promote tools for libraries to support job seekers in growth careers. Since 2018, PLA and Microsoft have been collaborating to help libraries, often in rural communities, secure needed equipment such as hotspots, connect families to low-cost internet plans, and offer programs to teach community members technology skills.