Rep. Andy Levin: “[On March 3, 2021], Congressman Andy Levin (D-MI) teamed up with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) to introduce the House companion of S.127, the Build America’s Libraries Act, which provides long-term improvements to library facilities and updates library infrastructure, prioritizing libraries in predominantly low-income and underserved communities. The Build America’s Libraries Act authorizes a $5 billion fund to modernize American library infrastructure and ensure that all Americans have access to high-tech, state-of-the-art library facilities… The Build America’s Libraries Act authorizes a $5 billion Build America’s Libraries Fund for library infrastructure and modernization projects. Eligible uses include:

• 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;
• Improving energy and water efficiency and indoor air quality and ventilation;
• 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 to people with disabilities; and
• Assessing the condition of existing library facilities and the need for new or improved library facilities and developing facilities master plans…”