Monticello library awarded $5,000 grant from State Library

     The Monticello Public Library was awarded $5,000 in a grant from the State Library of Iowa from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The grant was used to purchase a new multi-function printer, an HP Color LaserJet MFP E78330, to provide fast, high-quality printing and copying and to allow for the public to send print jobs directly to the machine.

     “This allows for the public to more easily print items from their personal devices,” said Michelle Turnis, director of the Monticello Public Library. “In the past, library users had to use a library computer to connect with our printer. This created a barrier, as many times people could not remember their log-in information. This new machine allows anyone to send an email directly to the printer. With this device, we are also able to offer faxing and scanning, as well as printing from a USB or flash drive.”

     The State Library of Iowa awarded up to $5,000 for Iowa public libraries from a portion of its funding from the ARPA. The grant funds may be used for materials or technology to support digital inclusion efforts to enable libraries to reach residents, especially in support of education, health, and workforce development needs; or to respond to the pandemic and implement public health protocols.

     “We are excited to offer these ARPA grants to public libraries and anticipate the positive outcomes that will result, especially because we believe the ones who will benefit most are library patrons,” said Michael Scott, state librarian of Iowa.

     The ARPA is a federal program that was approved by Congress and signed by President Biden in March 2021. The State Library received an allotment from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which determined the priorities and rules surrounding how the funds may be used in libraries.

     For more information on the Ross & Elizabeth Baty Monticello Public Library, visit www.monticello.lib.ia.us.

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