Library Improvement Grants Now Available

The 2016 Library Improvement Grants, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) from Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant monies, are now available. Nebraska accredited public libraries and certain state-run institutional libraries are eligible to apply for these competitive grants to help facilitate growth and development of library programs and services by supplementing local funding with federal funds designated for these purposes. In keeping with the goals of the Library Services and Technology Act, the Library Improvement Grants are intended to help libraries meet the goals of the Nebraska Library Commission’s LSTA Five-Year Plan 2013 – 2017. To be funded projects must meet one or more of specific LSTA Purposes listed at the following link. Funding to help libraries join the statewide Pioneer Consortium will receive priority consideration as grant applications are evaluated. Other requirements include a 25% local match. At least 10% of this match must be in cash. Federal LSTA grants involve meeting certain other requirements which are outlined at the link above and in grant agreement documents for approved projects. The minimum grant amount is $500. Libraries submitting grant applications will notice that the application form has been changed quite a bit from those used in the past. These changes meet federal reporting guidelines which will allow IMLS to present cogent and cohesive reports on the use of federal LSTA monies to Congress as part of its efforts in support of continuing this funding for library services nationwide. This link will take you directly to the grant application form. Pertinent dates to remember: • December 4, 2015 – Application form available • January 28, 2016 – Applications due by 11:59 PM Central Time • February 17, 2016 – Grant recipients announced For questions concerning these grants contact Richard Miller 800-307-2665.