When the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) passed last year, Wyoming received $2.1 million in funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for pandemic response.
In the weeks that followed the award, the Wyoming State Library created a plan that would benefit libraries across the state. A task force of representatives from the library community provided input.
Nearly a year in, the WSL has expended $1.3 million of ARPA funds. What has this money accomplished so far? Let’s go down the list!
Expenditures supported WYLD and OCLC fees, giving local libraries a financial boost. Academic libraries gained open educational and other resources. Disadvantaged populations on the Wind River Indian Reservation and Wyoming state institutions have more books in their hands and on their library shelves. The Wyoming Virtual Library (OverDrive) offers thousands more titles purchased from ARPA funds.
To promote workforce development, GoWYLD.net now includes Gale Business: Plan Builder and Gale Legal Forms through September 30, 2022. LinkedIn Learning access was also extended through that date. On the education front, teachers and librarians have access to TumbleBooks and TeachingBooks.
More great projects are in the works. Funds will purchase items for school library shelves — 204 schools with 72,021 students will benefit. Last, but not least, the Wyoming State Library is preparing to roll out a marketing campaign to promote federally funded resources in GoWYLD. Watch for news about this project soon!
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. The Wyoming State Library is the state agency tasked with managing federal funds for the development of libraries statewide. Learn more about how federal funds support libraries in Wyoming.