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ARRA funds
The federal stimulus package known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was enacted February 17, 2009 in order to jumpstart the economy, create and save jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century.

According to the American Library Association (ALA) Washington Office, libraries can benefit from the following provisions of the ARRA:

An additional $50 million for the National Endowments for the Arts
$13 billion for Title 1
$650 million for Enhancing Education Through Technology
$7.2 billion for Broadband
$53.6 billion for the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund
$120 million for the Senior Community Service Employment Program
$130 million for Rural Community Facilities Program
$4.24 billion and $1.33 billion for Military Libraries

The ALA Washington Office is also emphasizing how important it is for libraries to reach out to state and local leaders in an effort to receive these funds and continue to advocate how important libraries are to their communities.

Opportunities for Ohio libraries
Ohio libraries can benefit from these federal stimulus funds.  The State Library of Ohio is working with the ALA Washington Office to ensure Ohio libraries have opportunities to receive federal stimulus funds.  The State Library participates in bi-weekly conference calls with the ALA Washington Office as well as other state libraries.

Ohio libraries are encouraged to submit projects for consideration of ARRA funding to the State of Ohio’s Recovery Site.  Governor Strickland’s Office is coordinating this effort and forwarding on submissions to appropriate state agencies.  If the agency determines you meet eligibility requirements, the agency will contact you to request additional information, provide you with an application for funding, or refer you to an alternative funding source.

In addition, the State Library requested funds on behalf of public libraries through the Recovery Site.  The State Library requested $404,449,436 to improve public library facilities leading to the enrichment of the essential services and programs they provide to their communities.  The State Library also requested $19 million to assist libraries in meeting the needs of job seekers and displaced workers turning to public libraries.  The money would be distributed in the following manner:

$6M to be distributed to all public libraries on a formula basis (for local needs, e.g. to purchase additional public access computers, train volunteers to assist in computer training).
$5M for statewide subscriptions to online information resources and databases, available to Ohio’s 11.5 M residents – to support educational, business and employment assistance.
$2M for training and educational programs coordinated by the State Library in partnership with other agencies.
$6M for competitive grants to public libraries for delivering services to unemployed/displaced workers, to be weighted by level of unemployment.

The Governor’s Office is holding information sessions on the economic stimulus package.  For more details and to sign up, visit http://recovery.ohio.gov/news/#040809

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ARRA Resources for Libraries

A Note on Resources About Jobs and the Economy
From ALA Washington Office, assistance for the library community in their applications to the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP)

ALA ARRA Talking Points (PDF)
Key points on libraries and the economy

ALA Libraries Helping America Get Back to Work (PDF)
Document outlines how libraries are helping their communities during these tough economic times.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 101 from ALA
Site provides current ARRA news for libraries, guidance, and information on advocacy.

APPLYING for a Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Public Computer Center Grant
Important information on how to apply for a broadband grant

Broadband grant opportunity information from OPLIN
Site includes resources that focus on the broadband grants in the ARRA and how they might be used by Ohio public libraries.  Ideas and suggestions are welcomed by adding a new comment.

Economic Stimulus and School Libraries
ProQuest K-12 has created guides on how ARRA funds can be applied to school libraries.  NOTE: Site also includes products by ProQuest.

Federal Recovery Site
Site for tracking how and where ARRA funds are spent

How libraries can benefit from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Article by Emily Sheketoff, Executive Director of American Library Association Washington Office

Ohio Department of Education Stimulus Updates
Site provides information and links designed for educational entities and other stakeholders receiving ARRA funds. Additional information is provided for those who are interested in ARRA funds but may not be eligible for the education provisions under the Act.

State of Ohio Federal Stimulus Initiative – recovery.ohio.gov
Interactive portal for entities to submit expressions of interest in federal stimulus dollars and to view general information about the federal stimulus.

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