INFOhio Community

The events of the last few years have provided libraries of all types with countless opportunities to reexamine and reinvent the ways they support the people and communities they serve. During that time Ohio libraries have launched innovative and creative solutions with an unwavering commitment to the values and principles of library service. The State Library applauds these efforts and is here to help Ohio libraries continue to develop and enhance programs and services to meet the needs of their communities. Ohio LSTA Grants are an essential part of our service, and we encourage all types of libraries to submit proposals for Ohio LSTA Competitive Grants. This grant initiative supports State Library of Ohio’s new LSTA Five Year Plan 2023-2027 and invites proposals that address at least one of the following three focus areas:  

• Library as Community Anchor – Supports the role libraries play in strengthening their communities and providing a destination for learning, engagement, social support and expression. This can include areas of employment-related help, economic development support, civic engagement, gathering spaces, and support for the mental health of those served. 

• Literacy - Supports the library’s role in the learning experience where literacy is defined as the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms and tools, and it encompasses early literacy, digital literacy, functional literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, and others. 

• Outreach and Engagement - Assist libraries in providing new and innovative ways of offering services to users and potential users and in reaching individuals at a range of locations and through a variety of methods, typically outside of the traditional library facility. Efforts may include reaching populations not otherwise served by the library and the establishment of new or novel partnerships. 

"With the new LSTA Five Year Plan to guide us, the State Library is excited to once again offer this competitive grant opportunity for all types of libraries,” expressed Evan T. Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development. “Ohio’s libraries are always so creative and thoughtful when coming up with projects for potential grant funding, and I’m sure that will be the case again this year with our three new areas of focus for 2023.”  

All types of Ohio libraries are eligible to apply for LSTA funds. Applicants may request up to $50,000 in federal funds and all projects must include a 25% local cash match of the total project cost.  Applications must be filled out via online form, supplying required attachments, and must be received at the State Library by 11:59 p.m. October 31, 2023.

Please note: applications must be completed in one sitting, so prepare accordingly. Information about the Ohio LSTA grant program can be found at:  https://library.ohio.gov/services-for-libraries/lsta-grants/.  Complete information about the LSTA Competitive Grant is available at https://library.ohio.gov/services-for-libraries/lsta-grants/competitive-grants/.  

Recommended applications will be presented to the State Library Board for funding in December 2023 and the implementation period is January 1, 2024 – August 31, 2024. 

Questions may be addressed to LSTA@library.ohio.gov.  

 ------------------------

Please note: The State Library is scheduled to launch a new website in a few weeks. Links to LSTA information and grants in this email will no longer work after 4:00 p.m. on September 21, 2023, The URL for the State Library homepage will remain the same and LSTA information will be available in the For Libraries section. An email with updated links will be sent to listservs at that time.

###