NEH CARES: Baright Public Library Pandemic Safety and Technology Redevelopment Project

FAIN: PB-275225-20

Hollis & Helen Baright Public Library (Ralston, NE 68127-3845)
Bailey Halbur (Project Director: May 2020 to November 2021)
Catherine Adams (Project Director: November 2021 to February 2025)

The Baright Public Library will reinstate 10 library positions that were lost through budget losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These employees will implement new materials and equipment that will improve the library’s ability to maintain a clean environment with increased capability for community social distancing while using the library facility and collection. Besides improved safety measures, the materials involved will also increase the library's aptitude to create programming both virtually and materially in a format that is both appealing and educational for the entire community and surrounding area for free.

Through the NEH CARES funding, the Baright Public Library strives to improve the health and safety of the community and staff involved, while providing educational opportunities for all by retaining frontline library personnel. In this proposal, the library is asking for funding to reinstate 10 library positions that were lost through budget losses due directly to the COVID-19 pandemic. These 10 library employees would work to implement the materials and equipment described in the budget justification. These new materials and equipment would improve the library’s ability to maintain a clean environment with increased capability for community social distancing while using the library facility and collection. Besides improved safety measures, the materials involved would also increase our aptitude to create programming both virtually and materially in a format that is both appealing and educational for the entire community and surrounding area for free.