Did you know that public libraries are eligible to receive discounts on internet connection, wireless service, and hardware that supports internet access through the E-rate program? By filling out a few forms you can get as much as a 90% discount on your bills.
The telephone companies and the federal government collect this money from every telephone customer, but unless you ask for it, this money just sits in Washington.
Because it is so important that libraries claim their E-rate money, OPLIN supports workshops on E-rate for public libraries each fall and winter.
Training Registration for Funding Year 2026
(July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027)
Beginner, experienced applicant, Form 470 for Category 1 and Form 470 for Category 2 training sessions are available as recordings. Form 471 training is coming soon:
- Form 471 Workshop - Category 1 for Libraries - Slides
- 2/10/26 - Includes a step-by-step walk-through of the contract module and how to create Category 1 funding requests, with special emphasis on multi-year bandwidth contracts, and CABIO.
- Form 471 Workshop - Category 2 for Libraries - Slides
- 2/11/26 - Includes a step-by-step walk-through of the contract module and how to create Category 2 funding requests.
The workshops are presented by Lorrie Germann, State E-rate Coordinator. Lorrie is also available to answer individual questions from public libraries about E-rate issues. You may contact Lorrie at 740-253-1153 or lorrie.germann@gmail.com.
Training Recordings for Funding Year 2026
E-rate for Beginners (2:34:20) - Slides
10/8/25 - First-time filers and other beginners can learn more about E-rate and how your library can benefit, including new opportunities for funding a variety of internal network products and services.
E-rate for Experienced Filers (2:01:48) - Slides
10/9/25 - Experienced filers and other E-rate veterans can learn more about the recent changes to E-rate, including new opportunities for Category 2 in the first year of the new 5-year budget cycle.
Form 470 Training for Category 1 Services (57:30) - Slides
10/14/25 - Step-by-step walk-through of Form 470 for FY2025 Category 1 requests.
Form 470 Training for Category 2 Services (1:44:20) - Slides
10/16/25 - Don't leave money on the table. Attend this step-by-step walk-through of Form 470 for FY2025 Category 2 requests.
Form 470 Training for Category 2 Services with NEW ESL (1:01:39) - Slides
1/8/26 - Updated from October 2025, now including updates for the new Eligible Services List released on December 17, 2025.
CIPA
Some E-rate programs require libraries to be compliant with the Children’s Internet and Protection Act, also known as CIPA. These restrictions take the form of requirements for Internet safety policies and technology which blocks or filters certain material from being accessed through the Internet. More information on CIPA compliance is available here. Additionally, OPLIN provides internet filtering at no charge to public libraries.