Red Bank Public Library Gets A $67K COVID-19 Federal Grant

RED BANK, NJ — The Red Bank Public Library was awarded a $67,048 federal grant, according to U.S. Congressman for NJ-04 Rep. Chris Smith.

The funding will be used to adopt new measures that will improve library service to the community, both in-person and virtually, during the COVID-19 pandemic or other crisis.

“Library access was—and continues to be—impacted by COVID restrictions and protocols,” said Smith, who represents Red Bank and 33 other Monmouth County towns.

The library will use the funds to help deliver better access to the internet, new programs and digital resources. The improvements will result in greater internet bandwidth, upgraded hardware and software and 20 new Chromebooks for checking out.

Among the improvements planned, there will also be secure outdoor contactless pick-up lockers that will be able to be used by as many as 24 cardholders at the same time to pick up books or other materials at any hours.

“The Red Bank Public Library is thrilled to be the recipient of this grant and is excited to use the funds to bridge the digital divide, expand access to information to everyone in our community, and to provide these services to all even in the event of an emergency,” said Eleni Glykis, Director of Red Bank Public Eisner Memorial Library.

Glykis pointed out that the library had to completely shut down in the initial phase of the pandemic and that when it transitioned to an all-virtual library it became apparent that more resources were needed to best serve the Red Bank community during a crisis.