The American Library Association (ALA) announced today grants of $20,000 to 77 libraries that continue to experience substantial economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund grantees are academic, correctional, public, school, and tribal libraries from 32 states and Puerto Rico. The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund is one of the largest non-federal grant opportunities for libraries.

A complete list of grant recipients and project proposals is available on ALA’s COVID Library Relief Fund webpage.

Whitman County Rural Library District received one of these grants.  Grant funding will be used to expand STEM outreach in our local schools and branch libraries.  A collection of board games and a paint-your-own-pottery project will be used to expand our community outreach within our branch libraries.  Funds will also be used to expand hotspot coverage in parts of the county that a library branch is not located.

The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund is supported by Acton Family Giving as part of its ongoing response to the pandemic. “We truly appreciate the continued generous support from Acton Family Giving to help so many libraries provide needed services to traditionally underserved communities across the country,” said ALA President Patty Wong. “These grants will allow so many libraries to have a critical impact on those who depend on them during these challenging times.”

“It is an honor to help underwrite the gap-bridging efforts proposed by the ALA COVID library Relief Fund recipients,” said Tracie Hall, ALA Executive Director. “This fund is part of our ongoing association-wide effort to support libraries during these still uncertain times. Understanding the fundamental role that libraries play in the health and welfare of their communities, ALA is committed to raising additional funds to sustain the educational persistence, workforce reskilling, and community recovery activity that is being funded through these grants.”

ALA’s Chapter Relations Office administers the ALA COVID Library Emergency Relief Fund.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

About Acton Family Giving
Acton Family Giving supports distinct initiatives and collective efforts. Its Empathy Building Initiative, launched in 2014, partners with organizations building connections across difference and reaffirming our common humanity. This work is rooted in the belief that an empathetic society fosters stronger, healthier, and more just communities. Acton Family Giving is part of the Wildcard Giving philanthropic family.