State Library of Ohio Library Services and Technology Act Competitive Grants (OH)

The State Library of Ohio offers competitive grants under the Library Services and Technology Act to support innovative projects that enhance library services. Eligible applicants include public, school, academic, and special libraries, which must provide a 25% local cash match. Projects should focus on community engagement, literacy enhancement, or innovative outreach strategies. Funding up to $50,000 is available to foster creative solutions addressing community needs as outlined in the LSTA Five Year Plan 2023-2027.

Ohio libraries continuously reassess and transform methods and resources used to support and enhance the lives of the residents and communities they serve. In recent years, libraries have launched innovative and creative solutions with an unwavering commitment to the values and principles of library service. The State Library commends these initiatives and is dedicated to supporting Ohio libraries in further evolving and enriching their programs and services to address the needs of their communities. Ohio LSTA grants are an essential part of our service, and we encourage eligible Ohio libraries to submit proposals for the Ohio LSTA Competitive Grant.
This grant initiative supports Ohio’s LSTA Five Year Plan 2023-2027 and invites proposals that address at least one of the following three focus areas:
Library as Community AnchorThese project proposals would support the role libraries play in strengthening their communities and providing a destination for learning, engagement, social support, and expression. This can include areas of employment-related help, economic development support, civic engagement, gathering spaces, and support for the physical and mental well being of the community served.LiteracyThese project proposals would support the library’s role in the development of learning experiences where literacy is defined as the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms and tools. This could encompasses early literacy, digital literacy, functional literacy, adult literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, and others.Outreach and EngagementThese project proposals would assist libraries in providing new and innovative ways of offering services to users (and potential users) and in reaching individuals at a variety of locations and through a range of methods. Typically focused outside of the traditional library facility, proposals may include reaching populations not otherwise served by the library as well as the establishment of new or novel partnerships that would expand the library's reach.
Applicants may request up to $50,000 in federal funds.

Eligibility

All projects must include a 25% local cash match of the total project cost. The local cash match can from a variety of sources (library budget, Friends foundation, local businesses, etc.). The only stipulation regarding the local match is that it cannot be federal money. Who is eligible to apply?Public libraries that receive Public Library Funds (PLF) are eligible to apply.School libraries located in a school that is accredited by the state are eligible to apply.Academic libraries that are part of an accredited institution of higher learning are eligible to apply.Special libraries are understood to be libraries or organizations that maintain and provide institutional support for specialized collections.This could include maintaining collections that focus on a particular topic or area of interest, serve specific constituents, or support a specific organization or purpose. Eligible special libraries must be willing to share or make their collections accessible to the public. Those special libraries that meet the above LSTA requirements are eligible to apply.Institution libraries, library consortia, statewide library networks, professional associations, and regional library systems identified in “Libraries in Ohio,” LSTA Five Year Plan 2023-2027 are eligible to apply.What can I buy?Materials, supplies, and/or contractual services for the activities that support the project or program aims.Examples of allowable costs include:Contractual servicesSupplies necessary to support the success of the projectThe acquisition of supplies should not be the primary focus of the projectEquipment and/or technology necessary to support the success of the projectThe acquisition of equipment or technology should not be the primary focus of the projectLibrary materials that support the programs that are the project’s main focusThe acquisition of library materials should not be the primary purpose of the projectIndirect costs

Ineligibility

What can't I buy?Salary and fringe benefits for current staffOngoing operational costs (subscriptions, maintenance, etc.)Entertainment costsFood and beveragesFundraising, grant writing or advocacyConstruction or renovation costsPromotional items not related directly to the promotion of the projectGiveaways/prizes/awards/incentives