91´«Ã½

Washington, D.C. – Today the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) acclaimed the of the Build America’s Libraries Act () 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.

“As we move to build back better from the devastating impacts of a global pandemic and related economic and educational losses,” said 91´«Ã½ President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr., “rejuvenating public libraries in our most distressed communities must be part of our nation’s recovery.

“America’s libraries have been working overtime to help communities recover from COVID-19 and meet changing and increased demand for services,” added Jefferson. “The Build America’s Libraries Act would provide libraries healthy buildings and modern infrastructure to continue addressing the learning deficits and employment challenges so many Americans are facing.”

America’s aging library infrastructure faces challenges ranging from broadband capacity, mold, and accessibility barriers to COVID-19 to natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires. The average U.S. public library building is more than 40 years old. Inadequate capital funding has made it difficult for libraries to address building concerns. At the federal level, Congress has not provided dedicated funding for library facilities since 1997. Nationally, public libraries have billions of dollars in assessed facilities needs, including more than $1.5 billion of needs in , more than $500 million of needs in s, and more than $250 million of needs for libraries in

The Build America’s Library Act would begin to address decades of underinvestment by providing funds to repair and construct modern library facilities 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.

Along with 91´«Ã½, the Build America’s Libraries Act is supported by the American Indian Library Association; American Institute of Architects; American Society of Interior Designers; Association for Rural & Small Libraries; Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums; Chief Officers of State Library Agencies; Council of State Archivists; Education Market Association; International WELL Building Institute; National Coalition for History; National Coalition for Literacy; National Digital Inclusion Alliance; National Summer Learning Association; Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition; and Urban Libraries Council.

“Communities across the country love their libraries, but we know there is a significant need for new and improved facilities, especially in disadvantaged communities,” said Jefferson. “As the new Congress and the Biden Administration look to modernize our nation’s infrastructure, public and civic buildings like libraries must be included.”

91´«Ã½ is to urge their Senators to join as cosponsors of the Build America’s Libraries Act.