Emergency Connectivity Fund toolkit available to help access $7 billion FCC accepting applications June 29 - August 13 To help libraries take advantage of the new $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) program staring June 29, ALA has created the ECF Solutions Toolkit<https://www.ala.org/advocacy/ecf>. New resources summarize key ECF provisions and detail how public and tribal libraries can design, plan, and implement technology services using the new funding to serve library patrons who need it most. Established as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fala.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT0xMDA5MDc3OSZwPTEmdT0xMDA3NDQ5NTMxJmxpPTg3NzMxMjI0%2Findex.html&data=04%7C01%7Clancasterc5%40michigan.gov%7C58fcddb32d55470ee5cb08d937f02b5a%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637602327250698000%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=QR5akcjfjtbwUoJiW7WuOqg79KdWR%2Fm698rq1XIlqwM%3D&reserved=0>, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) ECF program will provide funding for public and tribal libraries and K12 schools to purchase connected devices and broadband internet connections for use off of library and school grounds by library patrons, students, teachers, and staff who otherwise lack internet access. Libraries participating in the ECF will receive 100 percent reimbursement of costs for eligible equipment and services and the ability to receive upfront reimbursement. The toolkit, located on ALA's ECF webpage<https://www.ala.org/advocacy/ecf>, includes five scenarios that provide step-by-step guidance modeled on examples collected from libraries across the country-in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Options include tablet or laptop lending, hotspot lending, creating community Wi-Fi hotspot zones, and subsidizing home internet access. ALA also encourages libraries to take advantage of other ARPA funds<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fala.informz.net%2Fz%2FcjUucD9taT0xMDA5MDc3OSZwPTEmdT0xMDA3NDQ5NTMxJmxpPTg3NzMxMjI4%2Findex.html&data=04%7C01%7Clancasterc5%40michigan.gov%7C58fcddb32d55470ee5cb08d937f02b5a%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637602327250707959%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=kZEdHW07eCQTYruBK815F6ibnV%2FXoIn%2FRl4dWxbZbVM%3D&reserved=0> to support related digital inclusion needs, such as programming, staffing, and staff training. Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 My Pronouns: She/Her - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5@michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> [cid:image001.jpg@01D769B8.A4E8FB30] Check with your local public library for details on their summer library program!
