New York State Library

Federal Aid Programs

Overview

Explore past and present Federal aid programs for libraries in NYS.

Current Programs

E-Rate (Universal Services for Telecommunications Discounts Program)

E-Rate ensures that all eligible schools and libraries have affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services. The E-Rate Program provides funding to eligible public libraries and public library systems, not-for-profit special libraries, and reference and research library resources systems.

Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)

The Federal Library Services and Technology Act program provides federal funds that help support local libraries throughout New York State. The program encourages the blending of local, state, and federal resources to build and enhance library services for all New Yorkers.

Historical Programs and Projects

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Library Program 2021-2022

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provided the NYS Library with federal American Rescue Plan Act funds through the LSTA Grants to States Program. The NYS Library a portion of these federal funds to New York State’s nine regional Reference and Research Library Resources Councils for collaborative regional projects.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act 2020-2021

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provided the NYS Library with federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds through the LSTA Grants to States Program. The NYS Library allocated a portion these federal funds to New York State’s 23 public library systems. Includes information about how CARES Act funds were allocated and used across New York State's public library systems.

Last Updated: March 17, 2025