State Funding Available For Public Libraries

The New York State Legislature has provided a one-time budget allocation of $14 million in capital funds for public library construction.

Application materials and additional information for this grant program are available on the New York State Library’s web site at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/construc/grants.htm. Please note that that all local libraries must submit all application materials to their library system, which will set the deadline for receipt. The grant program period is July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009. It is strongly encouraged libraries contact their systems as soon as possible to make them aware of their plans to apply.

The minimum grant award is $2,500 and may fund up to 50% of a project (for a total project cost of $5,000). There is no maximum award, but the amounts of the awards will depend on the number of project applications received and the total funding available to the library system.

Eligible project activities and expenditures include site acquisition, construction, and renovation or rehabilitation of a facility. Routine maintenance is not fundable. If you have any questions about the grant program or application procedure, please contact your library system.