Rep. Grijalva heads library and museum bill

A new bill will be introduced the first of week of September that could provide more opportunities for state libraries and museums.

Representative Raul Grijalva (D, Ariz.) visited the Yuma County Library District Monday to speak with executives about the reauthorization of The Museum and Library Services Act.

Rep. Grijalva said that bill will include an additional $200 million in funding.

“We’re asking for an increase of $200 million over 300, [that’s] the previous. The reason we’re asking for that increase is because they want to expand the technology base if we want to do the things that libraries need to do as community hubs,” explained Grijalva.

Grijalva said the bill promotes advancing broadband and technology across communities. It also promotes a career path for those who want to work in museums and libraries while also expanding the reach of libraries to provide grants and new projects.

“This act also makes them the hub for technology, access to computers, access to the Information Age that unfortunately, in some communities, we still have a digital divide, where some don’t and some do,” said Grijalva.