[Libs-Or] Information: Fwd: [alacol2] FW: United States Department of Agriculture designates $100 million for rural libraries

[Diedre Conkling]

*From:* Jenni Terry
*Sent:* Wednesday, January 27, 2010 10:53 AM
*Subject:* United States Department of Agriculture designates $100 million
for rural libraries



Contact: Jenni Terry

Press Officer

ALA Washington Office

(202) 628-8410

jterry at alawash.org





For Immediate Release

January 27, 2010



United States Department of Agriculture designates $100 million for rural
libraries



WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Secretary of Agriculture has allocated $100 million
in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development
Community Facilities funding for public libraries to provide educational
opportunities and improve public services in rural communities. The funding
will be provided primarily through the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009.



“In 78 percent of rural communities, the library is the sole provider of
no-fee Internet access,” Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the ALA
Washington Office, said.



“This funding specifically set aside for rural libraries is a lifeline for
communities across the country who depend on their local libraries for basic
needs such as Internet access as well as assistance with e-government
services, literacy and homework programs, and much more. We thank the USDA
for its recognition of the vital role libraries play in rural communities
and their need for funding.”



Funds may be used to construct, enlarge or improve public libraries. This
can include costs to acquire land needed for a facility, pay necessary
professional fees and purchase equipment required for operation. Funds can
be used to purchase shelving, furniture, computers, audio-visual equipment,
distance learning equipment and bookmobiles.



Depending on funding availability, USDA Rural Development will provide up to
$500,000 in additional Recovery Act dedicated grant funds to each of the
State Offices for library projects.



For more information on the program and how to apply, see the USDA Rural
Development fact
sheet<http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/USDA.pdf>.
Or, to reach the USDA Rural Development contact for a specific state, visit
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/ – adding the two-letter initial of the state to the
end of the URL.



###





-- 
Diedre Conkling
Lincoln County Library District
P.O. Box 2027
Newport, OR  97365
Work phone & fax:  541-265-3066
Work email:  diedre at beachbooks.org
Home email:  diedre08 at gmail.com
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