Children's and YA Services

Created by the CT State Library, Division of Library Development, Growing Equitable Library Services (GELS) is a workshops series that strive to provide the trainings that help libraries become strength-based, trauma informed, antiracist, social and emotionally conscious community institutions.

The GELS Grant is a six-month grant initiative to support a library on their journey to providing equitable services in their community. Principal public libraries can apply for up to $3,500.

Prior to submitting an application it is encouraged that applicants read all grant documents, including the Midpoint and Final Report documents.

• Applications accepted – Tuesday, September 3-Thursday, October 31, 2024
• Application deadline – Thursday, October 31, 2024, by 4:00 pm
• Grant awards announced – Monday, December 2, 2024
• Grant period – Thursday, January 2-Monday, June 30, 2025
• Midpoint Report due – Tuesday, April 1, 2025, by 4:00 pm
• Grant funds must be fully expended – Monday, June 30, 2025
• Final Report due – Wednesday, July 31, 2025, by 4:00 pm

• GELS Grant Applications, Midpoint Report, Final Report, and additional required materials must be uploaded through the corresponding online form linked below.
• All uploaded files need to be named as follows TOWN_LIBRARY NAME_FILE NAME YEAR. 
  • For example: Norwich_Otis Library_GELS Grant Application 2025.
• After the deadlines, the form will be closed and documents will no longer be accepted.

• The funding acknowledgement language below must be added to all grant documents:
  • This project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by Connecticut State Library.
• The CT State Library and Institute of Museum and Library Services logos must be added to all grant documents.