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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.

LORI CARES Act Mini-Grants

To assist Rhode Island public libraries in responding to the coronavirus pandemic, the Office of Library and Information Services will provide CARES Act funding made available through the Institute of Museum and Library Services to help libraries prepare to reopen to the public, to adapt services for the public due to COVID-19, or to start new services in response to COVID-19. This mini-grant program supports two goals of OLIS’ Five-Year Plan: Access and Learning.

Eligibility

All public libraries that meet the Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries in fiscal year 2020 (as of July 1, 2019) are eligible to apply.

Funds

Maximum funds available to each library: $1,000.00 plus $500.00 for each operating library outlet (includes bookmobiles). Outlets that are not providing services as of July 31, 2020 are not eligible. No matching funds are required for this program.

Process

The grant program is non-competitive. 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.

Public libraries may apply for reimbursement of eligible expenditures. Approved applications will be paid on a rolling basis starting in mid-July through September 2020 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 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

Expenditures made from May 1, 2020 through August 15, 2020 are eligible for reimbursement. The following lists are not exhaustive, but this program is limited to providing supplies and services to help libraries limit the spread and impact of COVID-19. Please contact OLIS if you have questions about allowable expenditures.

Supplies to prevent and respond to coronavirus

  • Protective supplies such as masks, faceshields, gloves, etc.
  • Cleaning supplies such as sanitizing wipes, cleaning solutions, etc.
  • Customer service and safety supplies such as hand sanitizing stations and supplies, etc.
  • Keyboard covers, plexiglass shields, and other supplies
  • Supplies to manufacture protective equipment for library use

Important: Sanitizing and protective supplies may be available at no fee from the State of Rhode Island through local Chambers of Commerce; reimbursement for cleaning, sanitizing and protective supplies is also available to cities and towns through the RI Emergency Management Agency – library expenditures may already be included in requests for reimbursement. Please check with your city or town.

Supplies to adapt or expand services

  • Printing materials to support adapted programs
  • Activity kits, books, or other supplies to support summer reading
  • Decals and other items to control traffic flow and direct services
  • Technology that expands digital access

Services

Expenditures for services include activities conducted by businesses or sole proprietors; it does not include supplies purchased for library services - these should be listed under supplies.

  • Professional cleaning services
  • Assembly or installation of plexiglass shields

Non-Allowable Expenditures

  • Supplies and services reimbursed under other state or federal programs (for example, through RI Emergency Management Agency or another LORI Grant)
  • Summer Reading Program incentives and related costs
  • Subscription and license fees
  • Food or drink
  • Construction
  • Other expenses that do not align with the goals of OLIS’ Five-Year Plan: Access, Learning, and Engagement

Important Dates

  • June 10, 2020: Application opens. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis, with notification of award to libraries within two weeks of application.
  • July 1, 2020: Portal for receipt submittal opens; libraries may begin submiting requests for reimbursement.
  • July 31, 2020: Application deadline.
  • August 15, 2020: Final date to make expenditures.
  • August 31, 2020: Final date to submit reimbursement requests.

Application and Contact Information

To apply, complete the online application form.

The Library of Rhode Island CARES Act Mini-Grant Program is administered by the Office of Library and Information Services in accordance with provisions of the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136), the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 (20 U.S.C. §9101 et seq.) as administered through the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Section 29-3.1-1 of the General Laws of Rhode Island.