Transforming: Services

The impact of IMLS Grantmaking on library services through the American Rescue Plan Act

Saturday, June 25, 2022

4:00pm – 5:00pm

Location: Washington Convention Center, 154A-B

In March 2021, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) received $200 million in continuing coronavirus pandemic response funding through the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). $178 million of these funds provided critical aid to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs), located in every state and territory and with reach into local communities across the U.S. The remaining $22million was also offered through discretionary grants to museums, libraries, and Native American and Native Hawaiian communities, so that they may continue to respond to the COVID-19 health emergency.

Beyond the initial CARES Act response, the coronavirus has persisted and taken a harsh toll on communities. The need for access to information for health, job, educational, and unemployment resources continues across the country, especially in communities that were already vulnerable. These ARPA grant awards support the vital programs and services libraries provide, including those they were able to offer in new capacities throughout the past year.

This panel will consist of two State Librarians and two discretionary awardees who will share their projects and experiences with ARPA project funding and working to help their communities through the pandemic. It will be moderated by two IMLS staff from State Programs and Discretionary programs.  The audience will have the opportunity to interact with panelists and exchange information and resources on how best to support their communities as they respond to the COVID-19 health emergency.

Learning Objectives:

The learner will be able to identify library trends with respect to the impact of ARPA funding.
The learner will be able to develop their own project ideas to manage the aftermath of the pandemic at their own institution.
The learner will be able to connect to resources available through State Library Administrative Agencies and IMLS discretionary grant opportunities.

Main Contact(s)

Madison E. Bolls

Senior Program Officer
Institute of Museum and Library Services

Speaker(s)

Madison E. Bolls

Senior Program Officer
Institute of Museum and Library Services

Moderator(s)

Madison E. Bolls

Senior Program Officer
Institute of Museum and Library Services

Speaker(s)

Sarah W. Fuller

Senior Program Officer, Discretionary Programs
Institute of Museum and Library Services

Moderator(s)

Sarah W. Fuller

Senior Program Officer, Discretionary Programs
Institute of Museum and Library Services

Speaker(s)

Rebecca Hamilton, n/a

State Librarian/Assistant Secretary
State Library of Louisiana
Irene M. Padilla

State Librarian
Maryland State Library Agency
AW

Anna M. Ward

Library Supervisor
Wake County Public Libraries
Anne Rasmussen

Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives and Public Services
Milwaukee Public Library