Webinar video available online – USDA funds for rural libraries

The video for the October 29th webinar on USDA funds for rural libraries is now available online.  (See the earlier blog posting for a program description.)  Presentation slides are also available.

Webinar CORRECTION – USDA funds for rural libraries

The American Library Association (ALA) has issued a small, but important, correction for the webinar on funding opportunities from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  USDA defines rural as 20,000 residents (not 2,500 residents).   For more information on the webinar, see the earlier blog posting.

Webinar on USDA funds for rural libraries

The American Library Association (ALA) Washington Office will be offering a webinar on United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding opportunities for rural libraries on Friday, October 29th at 2pm.  Information will be presented on the Distance Learning and Telemedicine program, the Community Facilities program and the Community Connect program.  For more information, including a link to register, see the District Dispatch posting.

USDA awards funds to 129 rural libraries in 30 states

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced in a press release on Friday that libraries in 129 rural communities from 30 states were awarded funding through the Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  The $15 million of funding is supplemented by $10.2 million from other sources.  A combination of grants and loans will be used to build and enhance libraries in a variety of ways, including the renovation and expansion of buildings and the purchase of furniture and equipment.  A complete list of library recipients is also available.  (None of the libraries are in Maryland.)

USDA sets aside $100 million for rural libraries

The United States Department of Agriculture designated $100 million for rural libraries as part of the Rural Development Community Facilities program.  The money may be used to construct, enlarge or improve rural public libraries.

 For more information, including a link to a fact sheet, please see the District Dispatch posting.

USDA Community Facilities Program offers loans & grants for library construction

United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development provides loans and grants through the Community Facilities Program whose purpose is to construct, enlarge, extend or improve essential community facilities, including libraries, that provide essential service primarily to rural residents.  Additionally, the national office can provide grants (not loans) for up to 75% of the cost of new bookmobiles for eligible service areas.  For more information on the program, visit the Maryland Association of Public Library Administrators (MAPLA) web site, go to the section on grants and check out the documents listed under USDA Grant Information.