The American Library Association (ALA) announced that the Glendale Community College (GCC) Library is a recipient of the ALA COVID Library Relief Fund and will receive $40,000 to support library services and operations. The library is among 34 grantees representing academic, public, school, and tribal libraries that have experienced substantial economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund provides grants between $30,000 and $50,000 and represents a significant non-federal grant opportunity for libraries. Grants support libraries’ efforts to increase and enhance technology access, collection development, digital instruction, staffing, and outreach, while maintaining and amplifying existing services through the end of 2021.
“This is wonderful news for Glendale Community College and well-deserved recognition to our librarians!” Stated Charles Jeffery, Academic Dean at GCC. He added, “Not only has this initiative placed the college in the top 15% of the applicant pool, but the funding will do much to benefit our students while supporting several goals in the college's new Strategic Plan; most notably increasing student enrollment, and enhancing GCC’s reputation and competitive edge.
A complete list of grant recipients and project proposals are available at ALA’s COVID Library Relief Fund at https://www.ala.org/aboutala/ala-covid-library-relief-fund-grantees. The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund is generously supported by Acton Family Giving as part of its pandemic responsive grant-making. Initial seed funding was provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation as part of its efforts to bolster educational and cultural organizations devastated by the economic fallout from COVID-19.
About Glendale Community College
GCC provides 41 Associates degrees, 61 certificate programs, and a range of non-degree offerings, all available to students in traditional, online and hybrid formats. Founded in 1965 to serve the northwestern part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, the college is part of the Maricopa County Community Colleges District, has two campuses and enrolls approximately 26,000 students annually, and employs approximately 1,000 resident faculty, staff, and administrators with an operational budget of $83 million.
About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information visit www.ala.org.
About the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities. Since 1969, the Foundation has been guided by its core belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding. Through our grants, we seek to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive.
About Acton Family Giving
Acton Family Giving supports distinct initiatives and collective efforts. Its Empathy Building Initiative, launched in 2014, partners with organizations building connections across difference and reaffirming our common humanity. This work is rooted in the belief that an empathetic society fosters stronger, healthier, and more just communities. Acton Family Giving is part of the Wildcard Giving philanthropic family.
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GCC Media contact: John Heckenlaible, 623-845-3809 | john.heckenlaible@gccza.edu