A June 2021 article from CNN highlights libraries’ and library workers’ central roles in the community during the pandemic. It asks, “will these venerable public institutions get the credit they deserve?”
The article discusses the need for funding and partnerships to continue the valuable work libraries have been doing during the pandemic.
“Covid has affected American schools, hospitals and businesses. But libraries – which often serve people who have nowhere else to turn – have responded in unprecedented ways.”
The article applauds libraries for not only pivoting to provide virtual programing and WiFi, but also for branching out to fulfill broader public health roles in responding to Covid-19.
Citing examples from U.S. libraries coast-to-coast, the article highlights how libraries have served as vaccination sites; provided contact tracing services; and provided free WiFi and other digital services to patrons.
Libraries have had a major impact at the digital level and with technology. At Leominster library in Massachusetts for example, the library installed mobile hot spots at the city’s senior and veterans’ centers so that people could log on to WiFi from the large parking lots at these organizations. The library also lent out laptops and provided technical assistance to patrons. At Hartford Public Library, librarians revamped the whole first floor to accommodate the growing need for copying and fax machine usage.
Moving forward, funding will be a critical issue. There is high demand for libraries to continue to provide digital services such as WiFi, in addition to traditional services. While public demand for library services has increased, many libraries are facing funding shortages. Although libraries received $50 million in federal funding from the CARES Act, the need is pressing for more sustainable funding given the expanded role that libraries have assumed.
Partnerships with both public and private entities will be essential, librarians say.
“Public officials need to work with [libraries] to apply some of the lessons learned during the pandemic.” The article mentions the issue of addressing the digital divide as an example of the type of situation in which partnerships may be helpful.
Recently, there has been a new development in funding for libraries to address the digital divide. As of June 29, and continuing through August 13, public and tribal libraries have the chance to apply for funding by accessing the webpage for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), and selecting the “Apply Now” option. This $7.17 billion in funding through ECF is set aside for libraries to provide broadband Wi-Fi access as well as access to devices such as hotspots and tablets, to library patrons otherwise lacking internet access. The fund will reimburse “reasonable costs” of eligible equipment. The fund is part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) which was signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021.
