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. The New York State Division of Library Development has prepared this information sheet to let more libraries know about these programs.

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.

Beginning with the FY 2005 funds, the grants will operate on a two-year cycle, beginning on July 1, 2005, and ending on June 30, 2007.

Funds Available: In 2006, the Legislature and Governor appropriated $200,000.

2007-2009 Grant Program: Information and application forms for the 2007-2009 Grant Program are available on the Adult Literacy Services Grants page. The 2005-2007 application forms are also available for informational purposes.

Deadline: March 15, 2007.

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.

Conservation/Preservation Grants

As part of the statewide program for conservation and preservation of endangered research library materials, the State Library provides grants to libraries, archives, historical societies and similar agencies for projects to preserve important, deteriorating library research materials.

The grants, of up to $30,000, support projects for the protection, care and treatment of library materials valuable to New York State, preventing loss of their informational or intellectual content and/or the objects themselves through such activities as evaluating condition of collection and making a preservation plan; environmental control; disaster prevention, preparedness and recovery; preparation of library materials for storage; cleaning, repairing, maintaining collection materials; screening items for preservation; reformatting to microform, tape or photocopying; cleaning, deacidification; and staff training and patron awareness programs.

Funds available: In 2006, the Legislature and Governor appropriated $500,000.

Deadline: Grant program announcements for the 2008-2009 year will be posted on our web site in Fall 2007.

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.

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.

Beginning with the FY 2005 funds, the grants will operate on a two-year cycle, beginning on July 1, 2005, and ending on June 30, 2007.

Funds Available: In 2006, the Legislature appropriated $300,000.

2007-2009 Grant Program: Information and application forms for the 2007-2009 Grant Program are available at the Family Literacy Services page. The 2005-2007 application forms are also available for informational purposes.

Deadline: March 15, 2007.

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.

Last modified on September 12, 2007 -- asm
For questions or comments contact Andrew Mace.
URL: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/grants.htm