Loyola University Chicago Libraries received a $25,000 grant through the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State and Illinois State Library. The On the Road to Recovery: Transforming Library Spaces grant offering provides funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) for emergency relief and support to libraries as library spaces are modified in response to and recovery from the pandemic. This offer focuses on restoring the library’s capacity to operate for patrons during and after reopening. The University Libraries grant project, called Ready for Ramblers, aims to restore capacity to operate safe, clean, and equipped library spaces, specifically with the purchase of furniture such as tables, chairs, and portable charging stations. The Ready for Ramblers project will focus on enhancing spaces for graduate students because there are extremely limited designated graduate student spaces in Cudahy Library (Rogers Park) and Lewis Library (downtown Chicago).
The University Libraries will collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to ensure the space enhancements will meet the library users’ needs. This fall, the spaces will be ready for the Ramblers to use, and they will host an open house to welcome them to the 2023-2024 academic year.
For more information about the Ready for Ramblers project, please contact Jocelyn D. Cheng, Community Relations & Communication Coordinator at 773.508.2616 or jcheng5@LUC.edu.
