$14 Million Public Library Construction Grant Program

NOTE: The deadline for the systems to submit recommended construction grant project applications to the State Library for FY 2006-2007 was 5:00 P.M., Friday, December 29, 2006. This page remains here for informational purposes.

The New York State Legislature has provided a one-time allocation of $14 million in capital funds for public library construction in the 2006-2007 State Budget. (These funds are separate from the annual $800,000 allocation for public library construction.)

The application materials for this construction grant program are now available and include the grant application and instructions, an application checklist, and a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions, as well as information on the allocation of funds throughout the state.

Please note that local libraries must work with their library system and submit all application materials to the system. The deadline for receipt of applications is set by each library system. We encourage libraries to contact their system as soon as possible to let the system know if the library plans to apply for a construction grant.

Libraries may apply for a construction grant that could fund up to 50 percent of a project. The minimum grant award is $2,500 (for a total project cost of $5,000 with matching funds from the library). No award will be made for any project with a total cost of less than $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 acquisition (purchase of a site and an existing building suitable for conversion to library purposes; see 90.12), construction, and renovation or rehabilitation of a facility. Routine maintenance is not fundable.

Other application/project criteria:

• Libraries with multiple buildings may submit more than one application, but only one application per building.
• Approved projects must start within 180 days (formerly 90 days) of approval.
• Projects that are not entirely completed at the time of application to the library system are eligible for funding.

The grant program period is July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2009. Only expenditures made after July 1, 2006, are eligible expenditures for funds awarded as part of this grant. However, expenditures made before July 1 may count as part of the required local match. Libraries may use local, state, or federal public funds, private funds, or a combination of funds from those sources for the required match.

Libraries will receive two payments: an initial payment of 90 percent at approval and a final payment of 10 percent at project completion. Libraries have until June 30, 2009, to spend the money.

If you have questions about the construction grant program or application procedure, please contact your public library system.

Member libraries must submit three copies of their project applications and required attachments directly to the public library system by the local deadlines established by the system. Please contact your public library system for more information about local deadlines and the system's application review and evaluation process. Member libraries should not submit applications directly to the State Library.

Library systems should contact Grace Kelly, the State Library’s program manager for the Public Library Construction Grants Program, with questions about the $14 million application deadlines, requirements and materials.