Arizona State Library to receive over $650K of CARES Act funding
Apr 19, 2020, 5:00 AM
(Pixabay Photo)
PHOENIX — The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Division has been allotted $657,694 of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding, the Arizona Secretary of State’s office announced in a press release on Friday.
The division falls under the Arizona Department of State and is receiving the allotment in order to “expand digital network access, purchase internet-accessible devices and provide technical support services to citizens,” according to the release.
The funds will be provided and distributed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, as the institute is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s museums and libraries.
IMLS will also provide details and anticipated timelines for funding availability, according to the release.
Meanwhile, Arizona State Library staff are already compiling and dissecting information such as broadband availability and unemployment numbers in order to prioritize and make informed decisions. The staff recently accumulated a map of libraries that are providing wifi after business hours.
The Arizona State Library’s COVID-19 resource page will also provide updates as plans are finalized.
“During this difficult time, it is increasingly necessary to help communities have internet access to complete important tasks such as filing for online unemployment and online schoolwork,” Secretary of State Katie Hobbs said in the release.