Libraries across the country will be eligible for federal funding to purchase laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hot spots and other equipment to help patrons access reliable internet outside of library facilities, the Federal Communications Commission announced.
The $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, part of the American Rescue Plan, aims to help close the “homework gap” by making it easier for teachers and students to participate in virtual learning via consistent access to reliable internet. The funding is available for schools, but also for libraries, which have found creative ways to bridge the digital divide throughout the pandemic by bringing Wi-Fi to underserved parts of their communities.
“It will make it possible for libraries nationwide to offer their patrons—including students—new ways to go online and bring connectivity home,” FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement.
The rules of the program, finalized last week, allow eligible libraries to apply for funding for future purchases of eligible equipment, “including Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and connected devices, as well as advanced telecommunications and information services.” If money is left after the initial round of funding, the FCC will accept proposals for reimbursement of “reasonable costs” incurred by schools and libraries to “meet the unmet needs” of staff and patrons during the pandemic.
Any library eligible for support under the federal libraries eligible billions federal funding improve connectivity residents
