Dwight Marvin Library Receives ALA COVID Relief Grant to Expand Technology Lending Access
June 9, 2022
The Dwight Marvin Library at Hudson Valley Community College has been awarded a $20,000 grant by the American Library Association (ALA) to help fund student technology access through the organization’s COVID Library Relief Fund.
The grant covers a six-month period, during which time the library will partner with the college’s Information Technology Services to purchase Wi-Fi hotspots and data plans for student use. The equipment will be available through an expanded library lending service to an identified cohort of student-parents for the fall semester, and will allow them access to both the hardware and the data access to be able to engage in online study, research, and academic support both on campus and at home.
Student-parents at the college have expressed an increased need for support since the beginning of the pandemic, which has led to the grant funds being earmarked for their use. Meanwhile, the Wi-Fi hotspot lending program made possible by the grant will complement the successful laptop/tablet lending service that has been offered through the library for the past year to all students who need it.
“We are thankful to the American Library Association for selecting the Dwight Marvin Library as a recipient of COVID Relief Fund grant,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Dr. Roger Ramsammy. “By using the funds to expand technology lending services for students in great need, we can ensure that those students are able to succeed in their studies without barriers to access compromising their academic progress.”
"It is an honor to help underwrite the gap-bridging efforts proposed by the ALA COVID library Relief Fund recipients," said ALA Executive Director Tracie Hall. "This fund is part of our ongoing association-wide effort to support libraries during these still uncertain times. Understanding the fundamental role that libraries play in the health and welfare of their communities, ALA is committed to raising additional funds to sustain the educational persistence, workforce reskilling, and community recovery activity that is being funded through these grants."
The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund is supported by Acton Family Giving as part of its ongoing response to the pandemic. "We truly appreciate the continued generous support from Acton Family Giving to help so many libraries provide needed services to traditionally underserved communities across the country,” said ALA President Patty Wong. “These grants will allow so many libraries to have a critical impact on those who depend on them during these challenging times.”
The Dwight Marvin Library is one of 77 nationwide that will benefit from $1.55 million in COVID-19 emergency relief through the ALA program, which is geared toward helping libraries that have been substantially impacted by the pandemic. A full list of recipients is available on the ALA website.
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.