Official State of Iowa Website

2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Public Library Grants

ARPA Library Grants Graphic.png

The State Library announced grants of up to $5,000 for public libraries in Iowa. The grant funds may be used for materials or technology to support digital inclusion efforts to enable libraries to reach residents, especially in support of education, health, and workforce development needs; and/or to respond to the pandemic and implement public health protocols.

Resources:

Final Evaluation

Libraries that received an ARPA Grant are required to submit a final evaluation to the State Library. Libraries will need to complete an online form to submit the evaluation.

An email with the link to the evaluation form was emailed to libraries on Monday, May 2, 2022 at the email address provided on their initial ARPA Grant application. 

The from address was linda.choate1@iowa.gov with the subject line "Action Needed: Public Library ARPA Grants Final Evaluation." A screenshot of the email is below. Check your spam folder in case it was flagged by the email system. If you still did not receive it, reach out to Linda Choate linda.choate1@iowa.gov

Evaluations are due no later than June 30, 2022.

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Reimbursement Information

After the items, goods or services have been received, the library can request the grant funds in the form of a reimbursement. The form will be sent via e-mail to the library through DocuSign. Click the link below for more information.

Reimbursement Instructions

ARPA Grant Press Release Template for Libraries

Libraries are encouraged to announce their ARPA Grant to the community through local media. Download the Word document template below and replace the words in [brackets] with your library's information. Send the press release via email (as an attachment, or in the body of the email) to local media (look for the appropriate email address for news tips on their website).

ARPA Grant Press Release Word Template


Grant Application

The grant application period is closed. 

Grant awardees should have received an Award Letter and Letter of Agreement via email. If you have questions about the status of your grant or did not receive an email with the award letter and Letter of Agreement, contact Brenda Hall. The Letter of Agreement must be electronically signed by the Library Director before any grant project purchases can be made. 

Click the link below for instructions on how to use DocuSign to electronically sign the Grant Letter of Agreement:

Signing a DocuSign Document

Eligibility

Qualified applicants are public libraries in Iowa that are Tier 1, 2, or 3. Groups of libraries may apply for a single project, in which case the grant will provide up to $5,000 for each library in the group.

Grant Amount

Libraries are eligible for reimbursement of up to $5,000 for materials or technology to support digital inclusion efforts to enable libraries to reach residents, especially in support of education, health, and workforce development needs; and/or to respond to the pandemic and implement public health protocols.

Allowable Expenses and Reimbursements

All grant purchases must be from the list of expenses that can be purchased with ARPA funds. If you have an idea for something not included in the list, you must get prior approval from the State Library. Computer hardware such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, monitors, printers, software, servers or routers, assistive equipment, presentation and multimedia hardware, and accessories related to the items to be purchased are all allowable. Libraries can also use grant funds for network assessment, technical assessments, and space assessments, as well as items that respond to the pandemic such as outdoor spaces to provide access to internet and social distancing. Online subscriptions may be purchased but must end as of September 30, 2022. No construction is allowed.

IMLS Funding Priorities

First, to support digital inclusion efforts to enable libraries to reach residents such as through internet hotspots, accessible Wi-Fi, and digital content and related resources, particularly in support of education, health, and workforce development needs. The following types of data, among others, can inform efforts to reach underserved populations:

  • Poverty/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Unemployment
  • Broadband availability;

Second, to provide rapid emergency relief to libraries across the country, allowing them to safely respond to the pandemic and implement public health protocols;
Third, to support library services that meet the needs of communities throughout the U.S., including costs such as personnel, technology, training, materials, supplies, equipment, and associated indirect costs.

Timeline

Action Item Date

Grant Applications Available

May 17, 2021

Applications Due

July 2, 2021 

Signed Agreements Due

July 30, 2021

Grant Amount Expended By

January 31, 2022

Reimbursement Requests Due

April 29, 2022

Final Evaluation Available

May 2, 2022

Final Evaluation Due June 30, 2022

 

Other Requirements

Reimbursements: The grants are in the form of reimbursements only. Materials, services and equipment must be purchased after the Grant Agreement is fully signed and expended by January 31, 2022. All invoices, receipts, bills of sale, etc. must be dated prior to January 31, 2022 and be paid by the library. Proof of purchase and receipt is required for reimbursement. Reimbursement requests must be received at the State Library by April 29, 2022. 

CIPA: Because this grant funding is coming from the federal funding through ARPA, library compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) must be verified.  A library must have a technology protection measure in place if grant money will be used for any equipment connected to the Internet. Equipment that connects to the internet may be subject to compliance with the CIPA. See more information here.

Questions and Answers

See the FAQ for more information

For other questions about this grant contact Brenda Hall, Program Director at the State Library of Iowa.


IMLS LogoThis program is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act as administered by the State Library of Iowa.