As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Institute of Museum and Library Services has distributed funds to each of the states and territories. These funds enable libraries and museums to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Vermont Department of Libraries is providing a total of $13,200 in grant funds to help libraries improve connectivity and computer access for their patrons. Thirty-three (33) libraries will each receive a $400 micro-grant that can be used for a variety of relevant expenses. Options range from improving your network or adding computers to purchasing exterior electrical outlets and other accommodations for the pandemic.
Eligibility & Ranking
All Vermont public libraries are eligible for this grant. Priority will be given as follows:
- Libraries who were not eligible for the December 2020 VTLIB/Vermont Community Foundation Connectivity Grant (e.g. libraries who were not located in a Communication Union District or Study Area, 33 total)
- Libraries who were eligible for the grant, but did not apply (53 total)
- Libraries who received the grant (98 total)
Within the categories above, towns are prioritized by poverty, connectivity, and rural location data. Every public library in the state has been scored using these metrics, so a library with a higher score will receive the grant over one with a lower score. Poverty figures are drawn from US Census numbers, connectivity figures come from the Department of Public Service, and rural statistics are based on locale codes.
Scoring and Eligibility Spreadsheet (Google Sheets, Listed from high to low score)
What Can I Do With the Grant?
As long as your intended use improves connectivity and computer options for patrons, it will likely fit within the allowable scope. Examples include wireless or wired network upgrades, additional public computers (in the library or lendable), extending subscriptions for 4G hotspots or wireless access points, productivity or usability software for patrons, improvements for patron printing options, and pandemic accommodations to improve computer use inside or outside the building (such as exterior electrical outlets, porch canopies, portable air purifiers, or space heaters) - but there are certainly other related possibilities.
Multiple pieces of equipment can be purchased. Grant funds can include the costs of installation or configuration, but using the grant purely for consultation expenses is not valid. Any leftover funds (up to $50) can be spent on related expenses or for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
What's In The Application?
The grant application is very brief, and includes:
- Library Contact Information - Library name and address, director name and email address
- Grant Use - What will you do with the grant. This doesn't need to be in great detail, a few sentences that clearly describe your general plan are sufficient. For example: "We will have an electrical outlet installed near our parking lot, and will buy a Chromebook to be lent to patrons" would work fine. You can build in flexibility by including multiple possibilities, as long as all expenses are eligible.
Final Reporting
Award recipients will submit a short report after installation of the new device has taken place. The report will list purchased equipment and their cost; any installation and configuration costs; and a summary of the setup process. It will also include copies of receipts. Finally, it will include a short description of what has been improved with the new equipment. Grant award recipients will be provided reporting instructions after recipients have been named and the application period for the grant has closed. The Vermont Department of Libraries encourages recipients to submit their report after the installation of equipment, but with enough time elapsed for proper evaluation. The report due date is September 1, 2021. Reports should be emailed to Joshua Muse, Consultant for Library Technology, joshua.muse@vermont.gov
Applying
Submit an application through the online form by 4:30 pm on Friday, March 19, 2021. If online submission is not possible, printable applications are available upon request.
The application is closed.
Contact
If there are questions about this grant contact Joshua Muse, joshua.muse@vermont.gov . To submit a comment or question about the administration of LSTA grants, please contact the Vermont Department of Libraries, State Librarian, Jason Broughton, jason.broughton@vermont.gov , 802-636-0031.