The cancellation of a federal program meant to close the digital divide has hit libraries hard, including those in Idaho.

The Digital Equity Act was passed in 2021 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Trump Administration put an end to the Digital Equity Act grant programs earlier this year.

Idaho was set to receive $6.3 million to implement its Digital Access for All Idahoans plan over the next five years.

In February, before cancellation was announced, the Idaho Commission for Libraries had chosen its first round of 29 sub-grantees to receive a total of $2.3 million, reaching more than 200,000 Idahoans.

Dylan Baker, a deputy state librarian with the commission, said the revocation was “heartbreaking” after the years of work they’d poured into planning for the grant. He said the money was set to go to services that help people develop digital skills.

“That would have provided for hiring, we’ll call them digital navigators,” said Baker, “staff that would be able to teach classes or one-on-one consultations providing digital skills in person and virtually to community members.”

Baker said another program would have provided laptops to eligible individuals who needed them. The Trump administration says the reason for its decision was because the $2.8 billion broadband deployment plan was unconstitutional.

More than 20 states have filed a lawsuit against several federal agencies over the cancellation.

Baker noted that libraries in Idaho provide services for under-served and rural areas, and the funding from the Digital Equity Act was going to support these services. However, Baker said the lack of funds limits their ability to address needs in Idaho communities.

“We do still provide resources,” said Baker. “Libraries are still very committed to addressing digital access needs in their communities and we continue to do that, but it has really limited our scope and the amount of impact we’re going to be able to have.”

Baker said bridging the digital divide is more important than ever as more services and opportunities go online. He said Idaho libraries don’t want to see anyone left behind.

“Libraries really are well-suited for addressing those needs in their communities,” said Baker. “They’re trusted institutions, they’re part of their communities, and they really can help elevate and address the needs that individuals have in making sure they have full access to the online world.”

Support for this reporting was provided by the philanthropic foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York.

 



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