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State Public Library Grants
by Marjorie Asturias
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According to the 2007 Public Library Survey conducted by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, there are 9,214 public libraries in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. About 97 percent of the total U.S. population is served by a public library, and the majority of these libraries are connected to a local government entity. Many public library systems are supported by local municipal or county governments, but state grants are also an important source of funding for a number of them.
Public libraries provide their patrons with access to information, educational resources and entertainment, all at little or no charge.
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Michigan Humanities Council
The Michigan Humanities Council offers the PRIME TIME Family Reading Time grant program, which offers $9,000 to recipient libraries to cover most of the expenses incurred in hosting a six-week PRIME TIME series. The series offers readings, discussions and storytelling sessions that target low-income and low-literacy families. Past recipients may apply for the PRIME TIME Mini Grants for Repeat Programs if they need additional funding to host another series.
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The Massachusetts State Aid to Public Libraries Program
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners oversees the State Aid to Public Libraries Program, which seeks to support the ongoing mission of public libraries throughout the state. Libraries that are interested in applying for a grant must be certified annually, which requires meeting minimum standards of service and municipal appropriation requirements. Three awards are available: the Library Incentive Grant, the Municipal Equalization Grant and the Nonresident Circulation Offset.
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State Library of Louisiana
The State Library of Louisiana offers the Mini Grant Program, which is disbursed to public libraries from the state library budget to promote free basic library services to all patrons, and support collection acquisitions and technology enhancement. To apply, libraries may submit an application that can be downloaded from the State Library website.
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Texas Reads Grants
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission administers the Texas Reads Grants, which provides funding to public libraries to promote reading and literacy in their communities. The grants are funded by revenue from the sale of Texas Reads specialty license plates. Funding amounts vary each year. Applicants can download the grant guidelines on the Commission's website and also apply through the Grant Management System. They can also review a list of grant recipients in previous years, and learn more about funded projects and even award amounts.
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New York State Library
The New York State Library offers annual funding opportunities to public, academic, and special libraries and library systems throughout the state. Grant programs include Adult Literacy Services Grants, Family Literacy Services Grants, the Public Library Construction Grant Program, Conservation/Preservation Grants, and Library Services and Technology Act Grants. All of the grants are to be used toward the promotion and support of library services, as well as access to them by the population that they respectively serve.
