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Public Library Services Grant Program (small grants)

Public Library Services Grant Program (small grants)

PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM

This LSTA grant program is designed to support public library programming in the areas of literacy, digital access, and/or local history. In a given fiscal year, the Library of Michigan will fund as many grants as possible that meet these priorities. The program is intended to help public libraries increase programming opportunities for their communities by funding supplies and materials for library programs.

For 2026, the grant program will fund kits that circulate to the public. Some examples are family literacy outreach backpacks, robotics or electronics kits, digital conversion kits, laptops or family oral history kits. Materials are for circulating to the public but may be used in demonstrations when not in circulation. Sample ideas are available here. You may request multiple sets of the same kit or multiple types of kits. Please see below for more details, documentation and the application link.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

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

2026 Program Topics

  • Literacy – This topic area is for the broad idea of literacy programs, such as ESL, early literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, digital literacy, environmental literacy, etc. 
  • Digital Access – This topic area is for programs where the primary audience is patrons with limited internet access, and can include a range of programming areas such as circulating laptops, tablets with preloaded content, hotspot circulation, or assistive technology for disabled patrons, etc.  
  • Local History – This topic area is for programs that improve access to special collections and family histories, such oral history kits, digitization stations, etc. 

    Libraries requesting devices that can access the Internet MUST comply with Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) regulations for all Internet accessible grant purchases.

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. 

The grant period is May to August, if funds are available. Funding is from $500 to $1,500 per grant. The Library of Michigan will fund as many projects as possible that meet the grant criteria. Funds are distributed by reimbursement ONLY after the grant purchasing is complete. 

PROGRAM TIMELINE

  • Application Available - February
  • Application Due - March
  • Grants Awarded - April
  • Grant Period - May through August
  • Purchasing Period - May through June

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

Michigan public libraries that are legally established and eligible for state aid at the time of application. Libraries are eligible to submit one application per location. Branch location applications must be submitted by the main library. See the application information packet for more information. Small and rural libraries or libraries that have not received a grant recently will be given priority.

APPLICATION & ADMINISTRATION WEBINARS

Public Library Services Grant Program - How to Apply

  • TBA

How to Manage Your Public Library Services grant - Administration webinar for awarded grants.

  • TBA

Webinars will be recorded and the recording link will be sent to everyone who is registered.

PURCHASING NOTE

Tech Ban for Federal Funds - Grantees may not purchase telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services from companies with an Exclusion in their SAM.gov record. Please check SAM.gov when purchasing technology equipment to confirm the company you want to purchase from is not a banned company.

FORMS & DOCUMENTS

Public Library Services Grant Program Application Information
Includes sample questions and step-by-step instructions.

Public Library Services Grant Program Timeline

Application and Active Grant Form - Budget Worksheet - For Online Submission Only

Application Form - CIPA Form and Certifications and Assurances - For Online Submission Only

Public Library Services Grant Program - Grant Administration Manual
This manual has the information library staff need to complete their approved Public Library Services grant, including evaluation, reporting and reimbursements.

APPLICATION

Application is by online form. The application questions are listed in the Public Library Grant Program Application Information packet above. Applicants should read Application Information packet before submitting an application. If you have further questions, you can participate in the application webinar. The necessary certifications (CIPA form and Certifications & Assurances) are included in the packet and are posted above. All applicants must complete and sign both sections of the certifications and submit them online within the application. The certifications are the applicant's signatures for the grant contract.

APPLY FOR A GRANT or SUBMIT GRANT FORMS

FURTHER INFORMATION


Contact Karren Reish at 517-241-0021 or Reishk@Michigan.gov with questions on the program.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Updated 2/20/2026