Libraries

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency recently ordered AmeriCorps to terminate nearly $400 million in grants. As a result, Boulder Public Library (CO) has lost funding for two “digital navigators”—positions that help people navigate new technology, including applying for jobs online and accessing digital resources. About 80 people, mostly older residents, visited the digital navigators each month, according to David Farnan, director of the Boulder Public Library District.

The Chicago Public Library Foundation released its 2024 Impact Report. The report highlights the library system's work, including efforts to bridge the digital divide. Highlights include:

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition submitted reply comments to the Federal Communications Commission regarding the In Re: Delete, Delete, Delete request for comments. SHLB's reply focused on the Universal Service Fund, and particularly the E-Rate and Rural Health Care programs. "We continue to emphasize that recommendations should ensure that Commission-led initiatives ultimately work to benefit anchor institutions and their communities and streamline the administration of the E-Rate and Rural Health Care programs."

The American Library Association submitted reply comments to the Federal Communications Commission regarding the In Re: Delete, Delete, Delete request for comments. ALA's comments focused on the E-Rate program. ALA supported comments from:

The Maine Connectivity Authority is the state agency responsible for implementing the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. The MCA team and partners have worked tens of thousands of hours over the past three years to develop and execute thou

The Reason Foundation remarks to the Federal Communications Commission in response to the In Re: Delete, Delete, Delete request for comments. The Foundation's comments focused on:

The American Library Association submitted remarks to the Federal Communications Commission in response to the In Re: Delete, Delete, Delete request for comments. ALA's comments focused on addressing the regulatory burdens of the E-Rate Program. Recommended changes include:

The Catasaqua Area School District (PA) wrote to the Federal Communications Commission to withdraw from participating in the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. Paul Reilly, Network Manager for the school district, wrote, "While we are unable to participate at this moment, we continue to recognize the critical importance of cybersecurity funding and hope that our withdrawal may provide another school the opportunity to highlight the ongoing need for such vital support." 

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society launched four new research projects to examine a variety of barriers to building and using broadband. Since the passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, states have been working to achieve universal internet access through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and the Digital Equity Act (DEA) programs.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration after millions of dollars in grants to state libraries were terminated abruptly through the Trump administration’s efforts to illegally shutter the agency that administers them.