Sec. 3. Library stabilization fund
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/bill/116/hr/7486/ih/section-3A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
From the amount appropriated under section 8, there is established a Library Stabilization Fund to respond to and accelerate the recovery from the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus and to address the social inequities that have been exacerbated during the crisis. From the amount available in the Library Stabilization Fund, the Director shall allocate— not less than $1,715,000,000 to the States; not less than $45,000,000 to Indian Tribes and to organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians; and not less than $200,000,000 to carry out activities strengthening the ability of libraries to provide services to communities affected by coronavirus.
Funds provided under subsection
(b)may be used to provide support to libraries— to continue to provide library services to their communities, including by supporting general operations, paying staff, ensuring the ongoing functionality of libraries (including by purchasing deep cleaning services and coronavirus response supplies), and supporting the continued development of, and training of library staff on, best practices for the safe handling of library materials and ways to sustain reopening and operations; to safely provide access to computers, printers, copiers, and other technology (including new and emerging technologies) in libraries, to expand digital network access, purchase and lend internet accessible devices (such as laptops and hotspots), and purchase and lend digital resources, and to provide technical support services for users in the library and for those using borrowed devices remotely; to strengthen and expand services and resources relating to early education and literacy, distance learning and education (including through partnerships with public schools to ensure continuity of education and address learning loss), adult education, job searches and resume building, workforce development and skills training, economic and business development, health information, digital literacy skills, and financial literacy; and to ensure access to government and community services, cultural resources, and related functions and activities. From the amount available in the Library Stabilization Fund, the Director may allocate not more than 2 percent of such amount for program administration, oversight activities, research, analysis, and data collection related to preventing, preparing for, and responding to coronavirus. From the research, analysis, and data collection carried out under paragraph (1), including what is gathered from entities receiving funding under this Act, the Director shall issue reports to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives detailing how funding under this Act has been spent and its impact on improving library services in communities that are served. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a State, Indian Tribe, organization, library, or other entity that receives a grant under this Act shall not be required to provide matching funds or a nonfederal share toward the cost of the activities carried out with the grant funds.