Public Library Services Grant Program (small grants)

Public Library Services Grant Program

• Grant Awards

  2020 Public Library Services Grants
  
  The 2020 Public Library Services has awarded 84 grants! The Library of Michigan is pleased to provide funds for public libraries to increase services and programs for their communities. For those interested in the program for 2021, you can review the program documentation and the application packet from 2020 posted below. Information on the 2021 program availability will be posted in January 2021.
  
  For the 2020 grantees, you can see the selected libraries on the 2020 Grant Award List and you can find more information in the upcoming press release. The 2020 grant awards totaled $140,783.50.

• Public Library Services Grant Program

  This summer quick grant provides Michigan public libraries the opportunity to purchase supplies and materials for a specific program that will happen over the summer. Applications must be for a program that fits one of the topics and LSTA priorities listed below. Requested materials must be for the program described in the application.

  2020 Program Topics:

  • Literacy Programs – This topic area is for the broad idea of literacy programs, such as ESL, early literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, digital literacy, etc.
     
  • Children & Teen Programs – This topic area is for programs where the primary audience is children or teens, and can include a range of programming areas such as art, STEAM, gaming, summer reading, etc.  
     
  • Technology Programs - This topic area is for programs that improve community access to technology, such as digital inclusion, assistive technologies for disabled patrons, etc. Libraries requesting Internet capable devices must comply with CIPA regulations.

  LSTA PRIORITIES:

  • Programs or services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds;
  • Programs or services to individuals with disabilities, to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills; or
  • Programs or services expanding services for learning and access to information.
     

  EXAMPLES:

  • Need a program idea? See SAMPLE Programs or the list of 2019 Public LIbrary Services grants.
  • Want to see an application? See a SAMPLE Application.
  • Need to see how to do the final report? See a SAMPLE Report.

  Thank you to our libraries for sharing their ideas!

  
  FUNDING AVAILABILITY:

  The grant period is May to August annually, if funds are available. Funding is from $500 to $2,000 per grant. The Library of Michigan will fund as many projects as possible that meet the grant criteria. Funds are distributed by reimbursement after the grant program is completed. Libraries who have not received funding the previous year will be given priority.

  PROGRAM TIMELINE:

  • Application Available - January
  • Application Due - March
  • Grants Awarded - April
  • Grant Period - May through August
     

  APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY: Michigan public libraries that are legally established and eligible for state aid at the time of application. Small and rural libraries or libraries that have not received a grant in the last year will be given priority.

• APPLICATION & ADMINISTRATION WEBINARS

  LSTA General Grants Question & Answer

  • 2021 Date TBA

  Public Library Services Grant Program - How to Apply

  • 2021 Date TBA

  How to Manage Your Public Library Services grant

  • Recording