LibGuides Home: Library Buildings and Construction: Construction Grants

Info Sessions, Webinars, Tours

Construction Grant Information Sessions, Spring 2023:

Thursday, April 13 from 10-11:30. Register here.
Wednesday, May 24 from 1-2:30. Register here.

Attendance at a construction grant information session is a requirement for all applicants.

Watch recordings of DLD's library construction and renovation webinars on DLD's Construction Playlist on YouTube.

Program Description

This program provides grants for public library construction projects in Connecticut that:

create usable space (Category #1 grants)
improve existing space (Category #2 grants)

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

Funding Source: State Bonding Fund

Program Information

2022 Grant Program
The State Library announced the availability of library construction grants in the spring of 2022. Approximately $3.5 million in grant funds are 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.

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.

Amount of the Grant
The grant is one-half (1/2) of the total cost of the project. The maximum grant for new buildings, additions, expansions, and major alteration projects is $1,000,000. The maximum grant for accessibility, code compliance, emergency preparedness, remodeling, energy conservation, and maintenance (distressed municipalities) projects is $250,000. The minimum grant is $30,000, with a total project cost of $60,000.

Key Dates

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.

Grant Process

The Library Construction Grant Program: An Explanation of the Program and the Application Process
Read this summary first.
Timetable and Guidelines, 2023-2024
These are all the rules and regulations which include definitions, amount and frequency of grants, eligibility requirements, application procedures, supporting documents, criteria for awarding grants, grant approval, bond funding, grant contract, grant administration procedures, sign requirements, and examples of certified resolutions.
Checklist of tasks related to construction grants
To help you stay on track from the application phase to the post-project phase.
Notice of Intent form
Due June 30.
2023 Grant Application, Category 1
For projects creating additional usable library space, such as new buildings, additions, and major alterations. Due September 1.
2023 Grant Application, Category 2
For projects that improve existing space, including accessibility, code compliance, emergency preparedness, remodeling, energy conservation, and maintenance (distressed municipalities). Due September 1.

These contract templates are provided for informational purposes only. Your actual contract will be sent to you. The contract terms are non-negotiable. See also the link below to the summary of state ethics laws.

Construction Grant Contract Template - Association
revised July 2022
Construction Grant Contract Template - Municipal
revised July 2022

Summary of State of Connecticut ethics laws for state contractors

1. After your grant has been approved by the State Library Board, choose the appropriate "Step by Step" Guide below to learn about the next steps.

2. After your funding has been approved by the State Bond Commission, your grant contract will be sent to you. Download additional required documents here, including the Notice of Applicant's Funding. The Grant Contract Instructions will tell you what else you need.

Association Libraries also submit this document with the grant contract:

Ethics Affidavits & Certifications for State Contracts: Complete Form 1.

3. Before you put out an Invitation to Bid, review the DAS prequalification requirements for individual contracts over $500,000:

DAS Municipalities & Awarding Authorities and the Contractor Prequalification Program (PDF) with sample bid advertisements
DAS Construction Contractor Prequalification Program
DAS Contractor Prequalification Directory Search

Remember to send a draft of the Invitation to Bid to the State Library for review BEFORE you post it publicly. See the Timetable and Guidelines for instructions.

4. Within 30 days of signing a contract with a Contractor, submit this Notice of Contract Award form and additional documentation according to the instructions provided with the form.

Notice of Contract Award form

Be sure to refer to the Timetable and Guidelines, Section 9, for complete instructions regarding grant payments.

Construction Grant Application for Payment Form
Submit this form with each payment request.
Final Expenditure Report
Also submit this form with your final payment request.
Lien Example
For grants made to association libraries that own their building and land, the state will place a lien on the property. The lien will terminate 10 years from the date of the grant award, provided that the facility has been used as a public library for the life of the lien.

Construction Grant Contact Information

Dawn La Valle, Construction Grant Administrator

Middletown Library Service Center
786 South Main St.
Middletown, CT 06457
860-757-6665, dawn.lavalle@ct.gov