More than $3.67 million in funds are available to help Washington libraries and museums

OLYMPIA—Washington State Library, a division of the Secretary of State’s Office, announced that more than $3.67 million would be made available to help public, academic, and tribal libraries and museums statewide.

The funding is part of the $200 million allocated in the American Rescue Plan Act to the Institute of Museum and Library Services in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Washington State Library will award grants to help museums and libraries implement and sustain public health protocols and defray technology, personnel, training, supplies, equipment, and other operating costs.

In addition, the grants will enable libraries and museums to enhance their digital-inclusion efforts, such as creating or expanding internet hotspots, Wi-Fi capabilities, and digital content and resources supporting education, health, and workforce development.

Beginning June 14, qualified libraries and museums are encouraged to apply online at https://washstatelib.libguides.com/ARPAwa.

“Libraries and museums are critical to our communities’ vitality and well-being. Part of addressing the pandemic is to ensure they have the resources and bandwidth they need to deliver the important services people rely on every day,” said Washington State Librarian Sara Jones. “We thank the Institute of Museum and Library Services for helping make these grants possible, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support and help sustain our local libraries and museums.”