Stimulus BillCould Have Major Impact on Libraries

Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 02/18/2009

• Broadband funding includes $200M for computer centers
• ALA cites advocacy role in broadband fight
• Next stop: lobbying governors

The nearly $800 billion federal stimulus bill has been signed into law. The American Library Association (ALA) reports there are several provisions that can directly benefit libraries and has set up a new web site, Know Your Stimulus, to advise librarians and library advocates.

“The next step is to make sure that state officials invest the funds they receive from Congress in libraries,” wrote Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the ALA’s Washington Office. “It will be up to you to speak up and let your governor know how libraries are benefiting the community." ALA will be sending out tools to help librarians advocate for funds.

Broadband boost
Notably, $7.2 billion (down from $9 billion) will increase broadband access and usage around the country. Within that sum is $200 million in competitive grants to expand public computing at public libraries and community colleges. Also, the bill allocates $650 million for the digital television transition; libraries can apply for the $90 million assigned for education and outreach to vulnerable populations

The bill includes $8.8 billion to states for high priority needs such as public safety and other critical services; specifically mentioned is the modernization, renovation, and repairs of public school and institutions of higher education facilities. Public libraries can be part of the provision, Sheketoff said, but must make the case to local officials that the library project at issue qualifies as a critical service.

Sheketoff noted that libraries would have to compete to be designated "critical services." Still, she told LJ, anything that decreases pressure on local budgets could have a beneficial impact on libraries.

The package adds $120 million for the Older Americans Act to provide community service jobs at nonprofit and public facilities, including libraries. Sheketoff said she hoped that, of the anticipated 24,000 jobs, 2000 would be positions in libraries.

Rural libraries also could get a boost, via $130 million in grants and loans for the Rural Community Facilities Program, which encompasses a range of facilities.

Lobby effort
“Thanks to [librarians and library advocates], our system indicates 1,255 messages went to Congress in the last week with hundreds more who called and e-mailed on their own,” Sheketoff reported. “Without your efforts, libraries would not have been successfully included in this legislation, especially the $200 million in broadband funding. This goes to show that there is strength in numbers, and we have a voice in Congress when we band together to let them know libraries are critical to our communities’ success.”