The U.S. Department of the Treasury has approved the State of Wyoming’s plan to invest $12.6 million from the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund in library building construction and improvements. This will increase public access to free computer, technology and internet resources that directly enable work, education and health monitoring.
Funds will be awarded through the Wyoming Library Multi-Purpose Community Facility Program, administered by the Wyoming State Library, with construction subgrant assistance provided by the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Wyoming’s county public libraries, state-funded community college libraries, and the University of Wyoming Libraries will be eligible to apply for competitive subgrants based on local needs and priorities.
“We’re excited to see how these funds will go to work for libraries and the communities they serve,” said Jamie Markus, Wyoming State Librarian. “Wyoming libraries are a place where people can find help with health, employment, and education, and having the ability to create, expand, or renovate library spaces will only improve the services they can deliver.”
Wyoming libraries have long been a source of public access to computers and the internet – in some communities, they may be the only source. The COVID-19 public health emergency accelerated the migration of vital services online. This has created the need for new or improved library facilities that can provide appropriately designed spaces and adequate technology and connectivity so that all Wyoming residents can fully participate in a digital society.
The Wyoming State Library anticipates opening the application period in the coming months. All projects must be completed by December 31, 2026. For more information, visit the WSL’s program web page at library.wyo.gov/construction-program or contact Wyoming State Librarian Jamie Markus at jamie.markus@wyo.gov or (307) 777-5914.