South Pima News

City of Apache Junction issued the following announcement on June 24

The Apache Junction Public Library has received a $4,000 grant as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records announced that the Apache Junction library was selected along with 50 other libraries and schools to advance digital equity.

The CARES Act funding will be used by the library to expand digital inclusion efforts and provide technical support, especially for workforce development and broadband availability. 

“We want everyone in our community to have high speed internet access to learn, work and play, and this CARES Act grant will put us closer to that goal,” said Pam Harrison, director of the Apache Junction library. “We are excited to expand digital access and services outside of the physical library and we know the community will benefit tremendously from this funding.”

The Apache Junction library will use the grant to offer:

• Mobile WiFi hotspot lending
• A traveling bookmobile WiFi hot spot
• Technology demonstrations and access to electronic devices on the bookmobile

The Arizona State Library received the CARES Act funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support libraries in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. In March, Congress provided the agency a total of $50 million in the CARES Act to distribute to states and territories.

 “COVID-19 has not only created a public health emergency, but it has also created a deep need for trusted community information, education, and connection that our libraries and museums are designed to provide,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “Access to and use of all kinds of health, job, government, educational, and community resources are necessary to weathering the current situation, beginning efforts to reopen, and sustaining our institutions.” 

Harrison added, “It’s encouraging to see federal funding for libraries in the CARES Act because we are the one institution that provides free access to digital information, services, and networks. It’s critical to our economy and livelihoods to be able to remotely access credible information during this time of social distancing.”

For more information on services at the Apache Junction Public Library, please visit ajpl.org or call (480) 474-8555.

Original source can be found here.