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Coronavirus Resources and Timeline of Events

 

Before You Begin | Dowloadable Documents | Sample Applications | The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund Information Session

The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund will assist public, school, academic, and tribal libraries across the United States and US Territories that are experiencing substantial economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has impacted their ability to serve their community, especially traditionally underserved populations.

The deadline for applicant submissions is May 20, 2021. Grants will be announced on June 23, 2021. 

Click the links above for more information.

 

February: FLA President, Laura I. Spears, PhD, releases powerful Op Ed stating that Libraries are Critical to Recovery in Florida

Recent COVID-19 Relief Information via ALA:

2020 Omnibus Summary 12-22-20.pdf

Florida Libraries: Surveys, Data

FLA's Surveys of Public and Academic Libraries - Click each link below for Real-Time results:

Florida Public Libraries Services: Check the updates here (See something that should be changed/added? Let us know: [email protected])

Other Surveys, Data

Public Library Association: Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19 Survey Analysis

Academic Libraries View Real-time results of status. Also, see this 10-day Trend Report as provided by Ithaka S&R

FEMA Public Assistance Program

Admittedly, this program might be difficult to navigate, but it may be worth looking into for reimbursement of emergency protective measures. In accordance with section 502 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (the “Stafford Act”), eligible emergency protective measures taken to respond to the COVID-19 emergency at the direction or guidance of public health officials may be reimbursed under Category B of FEMA’s Public Assistance program. This is not an endorsement that all libraries should apply, but merely another option.

Unemployment Help - Creative Ways for librarians to help their patrons 

Consider printing these application forms and leaving them for your patrons at the library!

Printed DEO Information including PHONE NUMBER to submit a Claim and What you Need

Department of Economic Opportunity relaunched website for job seekers

Florida Reemployment Assistance Paper Application

 

Libraries should not create programming that incorporates collection of personal data. Please check with your county risk management department about what answers can be provided. Provide assistance without directly answering or completing forms for patrons! FLA still maintains that libraries remain closed. The FLA board of directors will continue to monitor the outcome of these initiatives and will provide updated statements as necessary. 

Resources

 

ALA

  

CDC Resources
Newly Released "Decision Tree" pages for assistance in re-opening plans:
Comprehensive information from the CDC, including information for communities, schools and businesses; situation updates; and Frequently Asked Questions

World Health Organization Resources

Comprehensive information from the WHO includes "Protect Yourself," "Global Research," "Situation Reports," online training and videos, and more

 

News/Events/Timeline

September 25, 2020 Florida is operating under Phase Three. 

May 15, 2020 Governor DeSantis moves to "Full Phase One" and executive order 20-123; of note, libraries may open at no more than 50% occupancy (and may operate only if permitted by local government). Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Initial Phase One.

April 29, 2020 Governor DeSantis issues early phase of reopening guidelines to begin May 4; of note libraries may open at no more than 25% of their building occupancy. The plan said local public museums and local public libraries may operate only if permitted by local government. Child play areas must remain closed.

April 27, 2020 SBA opens PPP application process after 2nd round of small business stimulus signed into law

April 24, 2020 Lisa O'Donnell, CAE, Executive Director and FLA President Eric Head featured in interview with The Florida Channel's Capitol Update sharing how libraries have responded amidst COVID-19

April 22, 2020 COVID-19 Research Partnership to Inform Safe Handling of Collections, Reopening Practices for Libraries, Museums

April 16, 2020 Governor DeSantis issued an executive order suspending a requirement for unemployment benefits recipients be “actively seeking work.”

April 16, 2020 Small Business Administration announces they will no longer accept applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Update above on April 27.

April 8, 2020 Unemployment forms available at Palm Beach County libraries

April 6, 2020 Miami-Dade Public Library System to provide Reemployment Assistance Applications at 26 library locations

April 2, 2020 Governor DeSantis signs Reemployment Assistance Executive Order 20-93 for DEO services to improve, making paper applications available

April 1, 2020 Governor DeSantis signs Stay-at-Home Executive Order 20-91 for non-essential services

March 27, 2020 President signs into law CARES Act

March 27, 2020 Governor DeSantis issued Executive Orders #2020-86 and #2020-87, ordering 14-day isolation for anyone entering Florida from various states

March 25, 2020 President approves Florida's Major Disaster Declaration

March 20, 2020 FLA Board of Directors releases Statement on Library closures in Florida

March 20, 2020 FLA Board of Directors Reschedules Annual Conference from May 13-15 to October 28-30

March 17, 2020 ALA Executive Board Recommends Closing Libraries to Public;The American Library Association (ALA) Executive Board released this statement March 17 in support of libraries and library workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

March 16, 2020 Governor Ron DeSantis Activates Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

March 15, 2020, the CDC recommended gatherings of 50 people or more be cancelled. FLA is currently evaluating possible scenarios for the FLA Annual Conference May 13-15 and will update you as soon as possible.

March 12, 2020, ALA cancelled National Library Legislative Day, previously scheduled to take place May 4-5, 2020.

March 11, TXLA cancelled is Annual Conference, previously scheduled March 24-27, 2020.

March 9, FLA offers message on website regarding implementations if CDC Guidelines for FLA Annual Conference.

The American Library Association is encouraging libraries to share how after closing they've continued to serve their communities virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some examples of virtual services might include virtual story-time, parking-lot Wifi, etc.
 
Please use this form to share your library’s story along with any photos, or on social media using the hashtag #LibrariesStrong. Your responses may be used on ALA sites and social media channels.

Reaching FLA

We know it's important for you to be able to reach us. The FLA office will be operating as close to normal as possible, but we might be working remotely some days over the next several weeks. Please continue to reach out and we'll do our best, as always, to answer your questions:

[email protected]

(850) 270-9205

We'll work through this together!