IMLS Stories: Glen Ellyn Public Library Anywhere Project

On March 14, 2025, Executive Order 14238, “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

RAILS is spotlighting libraries and institutions in Illinois that have received IMLS grant money and sharing how they used those funds. These posts are featured in our IMLS Stories Series. 
Our goal is to raise awareness of the impact of IMLS funding and to encourage heightened advocacy moving forward.

For the latest updates regarding IMLS, please refer to RAILS IMLS Pulse Page.

This week’s featured grant recipient is Glen Ellyn Public Library. The library’s IMLS funded grant for the Glen Ellyn Public Library Anywhere Project sought to connect residents to the library with the purchase of an outreach van with Wi-Fi capability. Many residents were isolated from library services during the pandemic. Using the outreach vehicle, the library hoped to “provide access to technology in the form of hardware, hotspots, internet connection, iPads, laptops, and software at senior centers, schools, parks, and other community locations.” (IMLS Grant Page)

IMLS awarded this grant through the American Rescue Plan for Museums and Libraries Program, which originated from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) signed by President Biden in 2021. ARPA allocated over $200 million to the IMLS in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The $40,000 grant was allocated in FY 2022, as the library was attempting to raise funds for the outreach van by hosting a Fall Fun Fest coordinated by the Glen Ellyn Library Foundation. The Foundation provided additional funds, totaling approximately $80,000 to fully fund the outreach van. The van is outfitted with custom shelving, a locking cart system, an awning, a lift gate, and Wi-Fi, and is fully electric, promoting sustainable energy practices for the library. 
After many pandemic-related delays, the library received the van in the summer of 2023. According to library director Dawn Bussey, “The outreach van not only helps us deliver programs, services, and materials to our community, it is also a visual reminder that library resources and staff are engaged in the community anywhere we are needed.”

Special thanks to Dawn Bussey and Rachael Flewelling for their time and assistance.

As we continue this series, we hope to explore more of the ways that IMLS funding has benefitted library communities throughout Illinois. If your library has received IMLS funding and you would like to be featured in this series, please send inquiries to RAILS Communications through email.