Speakers at the Broadband Advisory Council highlighted libraries’ central role in digital inclusion and outlined a suite of new and existing programs to support adoption, training and device access.

Dennis Clark of the Library of Virginia told the council that libraries have been ‘‘on the front lines of digital equity and access for nearly 25 years,’’ pointing to early Gates Foundation funding, hotspot lending, and mobile library technology buses that bring Wi‑Fi and training to underserved areas. Libraries also circulate laptops and privacy booths used for telehealth appointments, and face high demand for loaned hotspots, Clark said.

The Office of Broadband described three digital opportunity streams the state is pursuing. Kayla Bravo, an office intern who presented the programs, said localities are eligible for the Virginia Affordability and Adoption Planning Grant (VAPG) and that the office is reserving "$25,000 for each locality to create their own digital opportunity plan." The planning funds are rolling and intended to help jurisdictions develop targeted implementation strategies for adoption and affordability.

Separately, Virginia has applied for and expects to manage a state Capacity Grant (first‑wave allocation $18.3 million) to build statewide tools and awareness; the office proposes a centralized Digital Opportunity Resource Tool (DORT) to help residents find training, devices and services. Officials also described a $14.5 million DSLD (Digital Skills, Literacy and Distribution) subgrant program intended for training, digital navigation, device refurbishment/distribution and targeted projects for covered populations.

The presenters said eligible applicants for subgrants will include local nonprofits, libraries, schools and other community organizations. Office staff emphasized the importance of technical assistance and flexibility so smaller organizations can meet match and reporting requirements for competitive federal programs.

During public comment EJ Scott (Virginia Economic Justice) asked about equity metrics and demographic breakdowns from the Commonwealth’s Digital Opportunity Plan. Staff said the plan’s public report contains demographic survey slices and that the office will collect grantee demographic data as part of upcoming grant administration.

What’s next: the office will continue outreach to local governments and community partners, post sample letters and application templates on its website, and accept planning grant submissions on a rolling basis through the end of the calendar year.