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Services

E-Rate for Public Libraries

E-Rate is a program administered by the the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

E-rate allows schools and libraries to receive discounts on telecommunications, internet access and related services. This funding allows schools and libraries to keep pace with constantly evolving technology.

Application Window

The Funding Year 2026 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) application filing window has not yet been announced.

Funding Year 2026 Important Dates
  • October 15 — administrative window opens (make E-Rate Productivity Center updates during this window)

E-Rate Training Funding Year 2026

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

All libraries that receive E-Rate discounts for Internet Access, Internal Connections, Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections or Managed Internal Broadband Services must be compliant with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Computers purchased with LSTA funds must also be CIPA compliant.

To be CIPA compliant, a library must:

  • Filter visual images of child pornography, obscene material and images that are harmful to minors
  • Have an Internet Safety Policy
  • Hold at least one meeting open to the public where the filter and internet safety policy are discussed. A board meeting open to the public is an example of a public meeting. Save meeting minutes and public notice announcing the meeting agenda. For information on open meetings and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, please visit the Arkansas Attorney General’s website.

Resources

For more information about the program, contact: