Grants for Libraries
The Connecticut State Library administers grant programs to help libraries. These grants are funded with state and federal funds.
The following grant programs are for public libraries and are funded with state funds:
A state grant is also given to Connecticut Library Consortium.
Each year the State Library determines a focus for the Library Service and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant Program, a federally funded program. Presently, public libraries and state institutions are eligible to apply for LSTA grants.
Eligibility for LSTA (and therefore E-Rate) funding for libraries
According to the Library Services and Technology Act, (20 USC Sec. 9101-9176, Ch. 72 Museum and Library Services), Sub ch. II, Sec. 9122, the term ‘library’ includes:
1. a public library;
2. a public elementary school or secondary school library;
3. an academic library;
4. a research library that:
a) makes publicly available library services and materials suitable for scholarly research and not otherwise available to the public; and
b) is not an integral part of an institution of higher education; and
5. a private library, or other special library, but only if the State in which such private or special library is located determines that the library should be considered a library for purposes of this subchapter.
The CT State Library amplifies #5 (above) regarding an applicants' eligibility. In order to be eligible, a library must be certified by the Connecticut State Library based on the following criteria:
a. have one or more paid library staff;
b. have a regular, established, and posted schedule of library service;
c. have a dedicated facility for library purposes;
d. have an annual budget with funds reserved for library materials and services;
e. have a record of multitype library cooperation, evidenced by activities such as union listing of holdings, reciprocal borrowing, or interlibrary loan;
f. "public libraries” must meet the definition in section 11-24a of the Connecticut General Statutes;
g. provide service to patrons free of charge;
h. have an organized collection accessible to its clientele;
i. have a legal basis for operation;
j. have a clearly defined governance structure;
Library Consortia
Formally established consortia of libraries, all of whose members meet the eligibility criteria above, may also apply for LSTA grants. The application must be submitted by one library on behalf of the consortium. The applying library shall serve as the administrative and fiscal agent for the grant.
Division of Library Development,
Connecticut State Library,
231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
Tel: 1-866-886-4478 Fax: 860-757-6503
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
Director: Sharon Brettschneider
last updated: September 18, 2009