Fayetteville State University’s Chesnutt Library Receives American Library Association COVID Library Relief Fund Grant

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., (June 20, 2022) – Fayetteville State University’s Charles W. Chesnutt Library will use a recently awarded $20,000 grant from the American Library Association (ALA) COVID Library Relief Fund to develop a technology lending program allowing students to check out laptops for use on- and off-site. The program will provide an additional layer and support for improved student success.

Chesnutt Library is one of only three grantees in the State of North Carolina.

“This funding is essential in helping the Chesnutt Library provide greater access to the technology and resources our students need to be successful,” said Monica Leach, M.Ed., FSU provost and senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “The library's technology lending program is an important next step that I am sure our students will appreciate and benefit from greatly.”

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for mobile accessibility. Increasingly, institutions of higher education are expanding virtual and remote learning options and opportunities, necessitating more and stronger technology and technological infrastructure. The ALA grant enables the library to provide an additional layer of support, resources, and capabilities beyond its brick-and-mortar walls.

"We truly appreciate the continued, generous support from Acton Family Giving to help

so many libraries provide needed services to traditionally underserved communities across the country,” said ALA President Patty Wong. "These grants will allow so many libraries to have a critical impact on those who depend on them during these challenging times."

The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund is supported by Acton Family Giving as part of its ongoing response to the pandemic. The Chestnutt Library is among 77 total libraries awarded over $1.5 million by the association’s library relief fund – one of the largest non-federal grant opportunities for libraries. Grantees are academic, correctional, public, school, and tribal libraries from 32 states and Puerto Rico.