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About the LORI Grant Program

Institute of Museum and Library Services
Institute of Museums and Library Services

LORI Grants are offered by the Office of Library and Information Services as subgrants funded through its federal Institute of Museum and Library Services grant under the Grants to States Program supported by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. IMLS advances, supports, and empowers America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. The IMLS vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook.

ARPA Technology Grants

The Office of Library and Information Services is using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds (Public Law 117-2, Section 2023) to help libraries expand digital access, support learning, and strengthen library services in their communities to aid recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. OLIS’ Plan for the use of ARPA funds supports the goals of OLIS’ Five-Year Plan and priorities for the use of ARPA funds administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Public libraries are invited to apply for ARPA-funded Technology Grants to purchase technology that will expand digital access, support programming and learning, or enhance library operations for the public.  The grant program is non-competitive: all eligible public libraries may be awarded grants upon successfully completing the application process.

Eligibility

All public libraries that met the Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries in fiscal year 2021 (as of Oct 4, 2020) are eligible to apply.

Funds

Maximum funds available to each library:

  • Base grant
    • Up to $8,000 for libraries with an Ocean State Libraries service population of under 10,000
    • Up to $10,000 for libraries with an Ocean State Libraries service population of over 10,000
  • Adjustments
    • $2,500 per branch
    • Distressed communities: additional 25% of the total of the base grant and branch amount

Process

It is not necessary to have spent or encumbered funds in order to apply, however no funds will be released to reimburse approved applications until proof of expenditure has been submitted.

Applications will be approved on a rolling basis starting June 21; the final date to submit an application is July 30, 2021. Approved applications will be paid on a rolling basis starting in mid-July through October 2021 following submittal of proof of expenditure and acceptance of those expenditures by OLIS. A Final Report will be required with a short narrative describing the benefit to staff and patrons.

All applications, reimbursement requests, and proof of expenditure must be submitted electronically. Acceptable documents to support proof of expenditure include an invoice from Ocean State Libraries, original digital receipts for items purchased online and/or billed electronically, or pdf scans of original documents for transactions conducted physically. Where they exist, paper records must be maintained and provided to OLIS upon request for audit purposes.

Allowable Expenditures

Grant funds may be used to purchase equipment to enhance digital access and programming for remote or outside users. Libraries should prioritize purchase of technology to support public access computing with internet access; funds may also be spent to support learning or virtual, hybrid, or outdoor programming at libraries, or to support library operations such as staff workstations and equipment for public functions.

Public access computers and certain other equipment are available through Ocean State Libraries (OSL). Other equipment may be purchased directly by the grantee.

All equipment must be placed in service no later than November 1, 2021. Expenditures made between June 1 and September 30, 2021, are eligible for reimbursement. Eligible expenditures include:

  • Desktop or laptop computers for public access computing or training (may be purchased through OSL)
  • Storage / charging station for laptops
  • Computer monitors (may be purchased through OSL)
  • Tablet computers such as iPads that are used for streaming or public access computing
  • Peripherals, such as sealed keyboards and mice (may be purchased through OSL)
  • Barcode scanners and receipt printers (may be purchased through OSL)
  • Smartboards
  • Audio equipment: microphones and/or headsets for podcasting or broadcasting streaming programs; audio speakers for programs, plus microphone stands, microphone peripherals, or cables necessary for connecting equipment
  • Video equipment: devices to stream or record video content, plus tripods or other equipment necessary to hold video equipment for recording purposes

Non-Allowable Expenditures

  • Hotspots, routers or other devices for internet connectivity. These devices may be purchased and reimbursed through application to the Emergency Connectivity Fund. (Note: libraries that need additional laptops or tablets may also apply for reimbursement of expenditures through the Emergency Connectivity Fund.)
  • Unreimbursed expenditures for devices purchased through the Emergency Connectivity Fund. The ECF caps reimbursement on items such as laptops and hotspots; OLIS ARPA funds cannot be used for any balance remaining on such devices.
  • Virtual reality or gaming equipment, scanning equipment for digitization, or other technology when the primary purpose is not to expand access to the internet or digital content, or to expand access to programming or learning opportunities, or to support library operations such as circulation or staff work.
  • Installation costs for any equipment.
  • Sound mixing equipment or software.
  • Subscriptions to Zoom or other conferencing tools.
  • Subscriptions to software or services

Important Dates

  • June 11, 2021: Application opens. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis, with notification of award to libraries within two weeks of application.
  • July 7, 2021: Portal for receipt submittal opens; libraries may begin submitting requests for reimbursement.
  • July 30, 2021: Application deadline.
  • September 30, 2021: Final date to make expenditures.
  • October 31, 2021: Final date to submit reimbursement requests and reports.

Application & Other Documents

Grant Workshop

Note on Distressed Communities

R.I. General Law § 45-13-12 (Distressed communities relief fund) establishes a fund to provide state assistance to those Rhode Island cities and towns that have the highest property tax burdens relative to the wealth of taxpayers. OLIS is using the designation of "Distressed Communities" to identify cities and towns for additional funding for American Rescue Act Technology Grants.

Cities and towns designated as distressed communities in FY2021 and FY2022 include:

  • Central Falls
  • Cranston
  • North Providence
  • Pawtucket
  • Providence
  • West Warwick
  • Woonsocket