Bookmobiles have long been a part of the American story, bringing library materials to patrons in remote and rural areas. But there’s been another recent creative use for these vehicles: roaming hotspots, coming to a neighborhood near you. Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a unique opportunity to document what will likely become a significant period in history.
WEBINARS ON-DEMAND
IMLS has made recordings of recent webinars on CARES Act grants and the SBA Paycheck Protection Program available on the IMLS website.
IMLS CARES Act Grants for Museums and Librariessupports museums and libraries in addressing their communities’ immediate and future needs caused by the pandemic. Projects may focus on preserving jobs, training staff, addressing the digital divide, planning for reopening, or providing technical support and capacity building for digital inclusion and engagement. Applicants are encouraged to prioritize services for high-need communities.
IMLS CARES Act Grants for Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum and Library Servicesassists Indian tribes and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians in responding to the urgent and future needs of their communities. Applications focused on digital inclusion, technical support, rehiring or retraining staff, reopening planning, and other pandemic-related priorities are welcomed.
The SBA Paycheck Protection Program Issues for Museums and Libraries webinar, hosted by IMLS and SBA Economic Development Coordinator Noah Brod, is now available. The presentation addresses PPP issues pertaining to eligibility, payroll costs, and forgiveness calculations, as well as questions concerning unique business organizational structures. A follow-up webinar is anticipated.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
IMLS is gathering resources and information to help museums and libraries continue supporting their communities as they navigate this time. Here are some of the items available to institutions.
Information for Applicants and Grantees: FAQs for IMLS grant applicants and awardees with questions about the impact of COVID-19 on their IMLS-related work.
COVID-19 Resources for Libraries and Museums: There are some additional resources from organizations serving the museum and library communities.
Official Government Information and Resources: Information about the spread and impact of COVID-19.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.govand follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
IMLS News
Brief articles alert readers to new information about grants, monthly highlights of best practices, and important agency news with links to more detailed information on the website. Past and current issues of the newsletter and subscription information are available on our website.
