Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft announced the Missouri State Library has awarded Scotland County Library a grant of $3,320 in order to respond to coronavirus health and safety concerns.
“Missouri’s libraries are integral to the communities they serve and the resources they offer are vital,” Ashcroft said. “These funds help our libraries face the unique obstacles presented by the coronavirus so they can continue offering key services and programs to their patrons.”
The library will use the grant funds to start a threefold project: replace the network’s aging security appliance to provide a reliable and stable wireless network that extends to the library’s property line; redesign the library’s website so it is more user-friendly and useful; and purchase additional eBooks to better meet demand.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) funds and Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds are used to address digital inclusion and related technical support or to address other efforts that prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19.
The Missouri State Library received $554,569 in CARES funds and reallocated other grant funds to contribute an additional $432,800 in FY2020 LSTA funds for a total availability of $987,369 for coronavirus relief projects. The State Library has awarded $960,338 in coronavirus relief funding to 60 libraries.
These projects were supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under CARES and LSTA provisions as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
