State Education Department Grants Available
to Help New York's Libraries Improve Access to Information

Each year, public, academic and special libraries and library systems obtain grants from the New York State Library that help them achieve goals important to serving their customers.

Adult Literacy Services Grants

Public libraries play a critical role in the development and provision of community literacy services. Some libraries are direct providers of literacy services; others work in partnership with agencies such as Literacy Volunteers (Literacy New York), BOCES and other community organizations. Most New York State public libraries provide literacy and GED (General Equivalency Diploma) collections and computers to support adult learners. The goals of New York State's Adult Literacy Services grants are to increase adult literacy on the job and in the home, encourage libraries to become community literacy leaders, and strengthen cooperation among local literacy providers.

SEE: New York State Education Law, § 273 1 h (2), and Commissioner's Regulations 90.3 (n).

For more information: Contact Cassandra Artale, Adult Literacy Grants Program Officer, at (518) 474-1479 or via e-mail; or visit the Adult Literacy Services Grants page.

Family Literacy Services Grants

Through the Family Literacy Services Grants Program, public libraries have access to resources to help children learn to use the library as an integral part of their education. The projects also involve parents in their student's education from an early age. Priority is given to projects that encourage preschool, after-school, weekend and summer learning programs for children. Many successful programs also utilize museums, public television, historical societies, environmental centers, other libraries and additional cultural resources.

SEE: New York State Education Law, § 273 1 h (3), and Commissioner's Regulations 90.3 (m).

For more information: Contact Cassandra Artale, Family Literacy Services Program Officer, at (518) 474-1479 or via e-mail; or visit the Family Literacy Services page at our web site.

Public Library Construction Grant Program

Funds provide up to 50 percent of approved costs of acquisition, construction, renovation, or rehabilitation of public libraries or public library system headquarters.

SEE: New York State Education Law, § 273-a, and Commissioner's Regulations 90.12.

For more information: Contact Grace Kelly at (518) 474-4483 or via e-mail, or visit the Public Library Construction Grant Program page.

Conservation/Preservation Grants

The Conservation/Preservation Program provides State funding for libraries and other organizations engaged in efforts to preserve deteriorating library research materials. The program was established as part of the landmark 1984 library legislation and was expanded in 1986 and 1990. It is administered by the New York State Library's Division of Library Development.

The purposes of the Conservation/Preservation program are to encourage the proper care and accessibility of research materials, to promote the use of development of guidelines and technical standards for conservation/preservation work, and to support the growth of local and cooperative activities within the context of emerging national preservation programs.

SEE: Education Law, Section 273.7(d)

For more information: Contact Barbara Lilley, Conservation/Preservation Grants Program Officer, at (518) 474-7890 or via e-mail, or visit the Conservation/Preservation Program page.

Library Services and Technology Act Grants

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants Program in New York State is based on the four major goals of the new LSTA Five-Year Plan (FY 2008-2012), which are themselves closely linked to the recommendations issued in 2000 by the New York State Regents Commission on Library Services. The four goals are:

1. All New Yorkers will have reliable, electronic access to high-quality information resources through the expansion of NOVELNY and through enhancement of libraries’ technology capabilities to meet users’ information needs.
2. All New Yorkers will have improved access to library resources and services that advance and enhance their personal, educational and working lives.
3. The New York State Library, library systems and libraries will deliver new and improved programs that anticipate and meet New Yorkers’ constantly changing needs for library services.
4. The New York State Library, library systems, libraries and library organizations will strengthen public policy support for upgrading library services for every New Yorker through improved communication, collaboration and partnership efforts within and beyond the library community.

The LSTA Grants Program supports projects in the areas of Access/Electronic Content, Technology Training, Services to Special Client Populations, Services to Families and Youth, and Service Improvement.

For more information: Contact Linda Todd, LSTA Coordinator, at (518) 486-4858 or via e-mail, or visit the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant Program page.

Last modified on July 16, 2008 -- asm
For questions or comments contact Andrew Mace.
URL: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/grants.htm