**The full conversation is available HERE**

**The full list of New Hampshire library projects benefiting from this funding is available HERE**

Concord, N.H. — Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) met virtually with leadership and staff from New Hampshire libraries throughout the Second District to discuss new federal relief funding Kuster helped secure in the American Rescue Plan. During the conversation, Kuster and the librarians discussed how new funding is expanding programming and resources for communities as New Hampshire continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of the projects supported by this funding include:

• $34,496 for the Keene Public Library (Keene) in Cheshire County to build a 20-unit exterior smart locker system for the community and install updated camera systems for hybrid meetings.
• $18,771 for the Concord Public Library (Concord) in Merrimack County for a partner project to initiate a Bike Bookmobile program to reach underserved communities.
• $25,635 for the Minot-Sleeper Library (Bristol) in Grafton County to record, archive, and share stories told by Newfound Region community residents.
• $34,624 for Howe Library (Hanover) in Grafton County to generate collaborative programming through Zoom Room at the library, tied to their community read "Everyone is Reading" book in 2021.
• $10,805 for the Nashua Public Library (Nashua) in Hillsborough County to expand outreach into city neighborhoods and enhance pop-up libraries. 
• $14,971 for the Abbott Library (Sunapee) in Sullivan County to create shared ILS with SAU using Koha with Aspen Discovery, purchase summer reading books not currently owned by the library, and add the library to the inter-school delivery route.
• $24,188 for the Pembroke Town Library (Pembroke) in Merrimack County to create a shared "Library of Things."

“The American Rescue Plan is helping to ensure our Granite State libraries remain open and continue to serve families throughout New Hampshire during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Kuster. “Libraries are the backbone of our communities and offer a wide range of services from computer and internet access to educational opportunities and community events. I was proud to secure resources to help New Hampshire libraries expand programming and continue to serve their communities. I want to thank all the librarians who joined me today for sharing their perspective and for their dedication to our state.”

“New Hampshire’s strong relationship with its public libraries was made even more evident during the past two years, when librarians and their staffs were able to adjust services nimbly in order to continue to meet the needs of their communities,” said N.H. State Librarian Michael York. “The innovative programs funded by these grants will continue to strengthen not only public library services, but also the communities in which the libraries reside.”

The New Hampshire State Library received more than $2.2 million as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The ARPA funds are being disbursed to the NH State Library through the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ (IMLS) Grants to States program. Earlier this month, $825,000 in federal funding for more than 40 public libraries in New Hampshire was announced to increase services for Granite Staters.

###