COVID-19 federal relief package supports libraries’ role in digital inclusion

WASHINGTON, DC — Today the $2 trillion economic stimulus package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act, is on its way to the president to be signed into law. The package includes $50 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services for digital inclusion projects and more than $30 billion in relief for schools and colleges, plus billions more for state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. In response, American Library Association (ALA) President Wanda Brown made the following statement:

“At a time when Americans are searching for a way forward, it gives me comfort to know that the library field has our eyes on the horizon. We have been hard at work for many years, developing innovative techniques to help our communities connect to information reliably and equitably. Libraries are poised to lead during this unprecedented time of increased reliance on digital connectivity and will continue to do so when communities begin to recover. Funding through the CARES Act will certainly help to safeguard the services we offer, as well as library facilities and workers across the nation.

“As additional relief measures emerge in the coming weeks and months, ALA will continue to advocate in Congress to support libraries, library workers, and library organizations as agents of recovery in our communities and nationwide.”

ALA asks that advocates remain engaged and sustain the momentum, especially as the next package takes shape. Visit ala.org/advocacy/contact-congress to sign up as a library advocate.