Questions? Contact:

 

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: Plan For Library Stimulus Funds

The Office of Library and Information Services is pleased to announce that OLIS will be receiving $2.2 million through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2, Section 2023) to support libraries and library services in Rhode Island. ARPA funds will be administered under the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ (IMLS) Grants to States program which supports the purposes and priorities outlined in the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

OLIS conducted 4 community forums and a survey to gather feedback from the library community to develop its plan for ARPA spending. The plan was submitted to the Institute of Museum and Library Services on April 2, 2021, and approved on April 5, 2021.

Plan for the Use of American Rescue Plan Act Funds

American Rescue Plan Act funds will facilitate a rapid return to expanded library services delivered in traditional and new ways through systems designed to provide safe access and services for all Rhode Islanders. Projects developed by the state agency, with its partners, and through library subgrants will include:

  1. Digital access: expand availability of and access to up-to-date computers, technology and the internet, especially in underserved communities; increase availability of and access to digital content statewide, including for individuals with visual impairments.
  2. Learning: provide resources to support remote learners and increase opportunities for individuals to acquire digital, workforce and career skills; strengthen reading and learning programs for children and teens to address pandemic-related learning loss.
  3. Strengthening library services: provide training to librarians to support the delivery of services and programs identified above; explore new, centralized methods of program delivery; provide safer and more efficient methods to deliver in-person library service; address issues magnified during the pandemic such as an unsustainable model for the delivery of eBooks, access to services for non-English speakers and marginalized communities, and the limited ability to provide remote/virtual services to those unable to visit the library.

Libraries Served

At least 149 libraries with 178 locations total, including all public libraries, all academic libraries, a majority of school libraries, and special libraries will be served through the plan.  In addition, all Rhode Islanders will be able to take advantage of expanded services at libraries, including K-12 students, adult learners, job seekers, and marginalized populations.

Initial Plan Execution

OLIS is developing statewide projects with partners for launch in the late spring/early summer that will expand digital content and online resources. A non-competitive grant program focusing on digital inclusion, especially technology, at public libraries will launch in late May. Other projects addressing the priorities listed above will be launched in summer 2021.