Legislation: Build America’s Libraries Act (S.127) Bill Re-Introduced in U.S. Senate

From ALA:

Today the American Library Association (ALA) acclaimed the re-introduction of the Build America’s Libraries Act (S. 127) by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The legislation would provide $5 billion to support long-term improvements to library facilities, including addressing needs that have arisen due to COVID–19, to enable libraries to better serve rural, low-income and underserved areas, as well as people with disabilities and other vulnerable library users.

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The Build America’s Library Act would begin to address decades of under investment by providing funds to repair and construct modern library facilities with the help of a local Houston mold remediation company in underserved and disadvantaged communities. Specifically, funding could be used for:

• Constructing, renovating, modernizing, or retrofitting library facilities, including by enhancing facilities to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and vulnerability to natural disasters. * Investing in library infrastructure projects to improve internet access and connectivity.
• Reducing or eliminating the presence of potential hazards to library staff and patrons, including toxic substances, lead, mold, mildew, and unsafe drinking water. * Making library facilities more accessible and inclusive to people with disabilities.
• Improving library facilities for the purposes of supporting place-based services or community-based partnerships that provide library patrons with access to educational, workforce, behavioral health, mental health, and social services.

Learn More, Read the Complete ALA Statement

See Also: Track the Bill (via GovTrack.us)

See Also: Introductory Remarks by Sen. Jack Reed (via Congressional Record)

Source: U.S Congressional Record (Jan. 28. 2020)

Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Funding, Libraries, News, Patrons and Users