Whitman County Rural Library District awarded  $6,500 in CARES Act  grants

Whitman County - The Washington State Library (WSL) announced Whitman County Rural Library District was selected to receive three grants totaling $6,500 to advance digital equity, provide outreach opportunities and supply personal protective equipment.  Provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES)  Act, the funding will be used to expand digital inclusion efforts, appliances and supplies for cleaning, and outreach services.

Whitman County Library will use these grants to: provide 400 youth activity bags and new books; purchase washer/dryer and cleaning materials for sanitizing; offer wireless hotspots for WCL locations.

The WSL received the funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support libraries in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

In March, Congress provided the federal agency a total of $50 million in the CARES Act to distribute to states and territories.

IMLS Director Crosby Kemper III said, “COVID-19 has not only created a public health emergency, but it has also created a deep need for trusted community information, education, and connection that our libraries and museums are designed to provide. Access to and use of all kinds of health, job, government, educational, and community resources are necessary to weathering the current situation, beginning efforts to reopen, and sustaining our institutions.”