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The Miami-Dade Public Library System has applied for and received funding for three significant grants totaling nearly $2 million that will expand access to technology for residents and provide vital resources to help families recover from the impacts of COVID-19, including job searches, resume writing, mental health and self-care.
“Access to the internet and digital inclusion for all our residents are among my administration’s top priorities,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Internet access is crucial to applying for jobs, learning new skills, staying connected and succeeding in school and beyond. Our Miami-Dade Public Libraries provide free access to the internet, computers and technology. These grants will help to further narrow the digital divide and give our residents more equitable access to technology so they can learn, compete and succeed.”
The grants awarded are as follows:
Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) — $1,593,071
The Federal Communications Commission’s ECF provides funding to help libraries provide off-site broadband internet service and connected devices to patrons who would otherwise not have access during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Miami-Dade Public Libraries will use the grant funds to purchase 2,000 Chromebook computers with cellular service and 500 mobile hotspots for internet connectivity and for the installation of Wi-Fi on its Bookmobiles, all for use by the public. Funds also will be used to cover the cost of cellular service for the Library’s Tablet Lending Program, which enables patrons to check out and take home a tablet with built-in wireless internet and Wi-Fi capability free with their library card.
State Division of Library & Information Services (DLIS) Florida American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) — $275,051
The DLIS Florida ARPA Grant Program supports libraries in helping communities respond directly and immediately to the pandemic, as well as to related economic and community needs through equitable approaches to digital inclusion and library services.
Miami-Dade Public Libraries will use the grant funds to expand its existing Drive-up Wi-Fi service from 23 to 35 library locations and increase the broadcast signal. Drive-up Wi-Fi enables anyone to connect to free Wi-Fi from the comfort of their vehicle by simply parking in any of the marked spaces at any participating library location. The expansion will increase the number of parking spaces with Wi-Fi accessibility from 240 to 829.
Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) — $50,000
The IMLS ARPA Grants Program supports museum and library services in addressing community needs created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and in assisting with recovery.
During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Library saw a substantial increase in the demand for and check out of e-content. Miami-Dade Public Libraries will use the grant funds to purchase additional eBook and eAudiobook titles that address pandemic-related topics, such as career readiness, job searching, self-care and managing stress, to increase access to these important resources and reduce wait times for high-demand items.
“We know that for many in our community, the Library is their only source of access to the internet, computers, technology and other important resources,” said Library director Ray Baker. “I want to thank the Library team, including our Information Technology team, for their work on these grant applications. We’re proud to have been awarded funding that will enable us to continue to innovate and augment our role in providing these vital services and creating engaged and informed communities.”
The grant projects are expected to be implemented during fiscal year 2021-22.
Learn more at www.mdpls.org.
