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Library Buildings and Construction

Information and resources pertaining to the CT State Library's Construction Grant Program

Program Description

The CT State Library (CSL) considers Foresight when approaching library design for Probable, Plausible, Possible futures. Libraries are not just about collections, they are the fiber of communities and should consider designs that are adaptable, resilient and transformative to create user centered experiences.

  • creating usable space (Category #1 grants)
  • improving existing space (Category #2 grants)

Statutory References: Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) Section 11-24c

Funding Source:  State Bonding Fund

2026 Grant Program

The CT State Library will announce the availability of library construction grants in the spring of 2026 and will provide the amount of grant funds available for Category 1 (new building, addition, major alteration) and Category 2 (accessibility, code compliance, emergency preparedness, remodeling, energy conservation, and maintenance (distressed municipalities)). Required Notice of Intent forms are due by June 30.

List of Active and Completed CT Construction Projects (PDF) - includes funding sources, architects, costs, etc.

Amount of the Grant
For new grants after July 1, 2023, public library construction grants fund one-half of total project costs up to a maximum of $2 million or, for projects in a distressed municipality, up to eighty per cent of total project costs up to a maximum of $2 million. The minimum grant is $30,000, with a total project cost of $60,000.

Eligibility
All public libraries in the state of Connecticut. Preference given to libraries in distressed municipalities and to principal public libraries. Applicants must attend an information session prior to applying.

Key Dates

Important Dates to be Aware of:

  • Previous fall or spring - Members of the Building Committee, including the Library Director, attend a construction grant information session offered by the State Library.
  • By late May - Grant Program for Public Library Construction: Timetable and Guidelines (PDF), Grant Application Category 1 (Excel), and Grant Application Category 2 (Excel) are available for download. (See box "Grant Process" and tab "How to Apply")
  • By June 30 - The Notice of Intent form is due to the grant administrator.
  • By September 1 - The completed applications are due by 4 pm in the grant administrator's office.
  • By late November - The State Library Board takes action on the grants.
  • By January at the earliest - State Bond Commission approves the grants if library has local funding in place.
  • By 3 years after State Library Board approval (1 year for Category 2 grants), library must have local funding.
  • By 18 months following Bond Commission approval - The project must be initiated (sign with a building contractor).
  • By 5 years after issuance of the grant contract - The project must be completed and all payment requests submitted.

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