LSTA Project: Grants to Libraries

The CT State Library’s Division of Library Development is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $75,000 for LSTA grants in two categories:

1. One-year literacy grants will provide up to $7,500 to assist libraries with creating strategic, sustainable partnerships and lifelong learning programs that address the seven literacies in their communities. The seven literacies are described in the Division's 2018-2022 LSTA Five-Year Plan as basic, early, civic/social, digital/information, financial, health, and legal literacy. See the literacy grant application instructions for more information.

2. Six-month planning grants will provide up to $5,000 to assist libraries with planning initiatives to explore new services, programs, or projects; assess and address the needs of changing population and patron bases; develop partnerships and collaboration; assess collections; or write new strategic plans or long-range master plans. Libraries must have completed both the Best Practices for CT Public Libraries self-assessment and the Aspen Institute Action Guide and must submit the results with their grant applications. Projects must include a community needs assessment component, such as a survey, focus groups, interviews, etc.

As described in the state's LSTA Five Year Plan, 2018-2022, the CT State Library will award grants to assist Connecticut libraries with "creating strategic, sustainable partnerships and lifelong learning programs that address the seven literacies in their communities."

1. Basic Literacy for all Connecticut residents, fostering a trained and skilled workforce that contributes to the economic growth and development of communities and the state as a whole.
2. Early Literacy for families and young children, so that children will start school with early literacy skills necessary for grade-level success.
3. Civic/Social Literacy so that Connecticut citizens will have the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives, participate and contribute effectively in their communities, and connect with one another through dialogue.
4. Digital and Information Literacy so that Connecticut residents are empowered to access information electronically, use and share information, create original content, evaluate the value and accuracy of information, and make informed decisions to fully participate in a digital society.
5. Financial Literacy to ensure that Connecticut residents have the knowledge and skills to become informed consumers, grow and manage wealth, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship, which will contribute to the economic development of their communities and the state as a whole.
6. Health Literacy so that Connecticut residents can manage their well-being and be empowered to become effective partners with their healthcare providers.
7. Legal Literacy to provide Connecticut residents with increased access to justice and the knowledge and skills they need to effectively navigate the legal services and resources available. 

Proposed projects should provide or enhance library programs, services, materials and collections to address one or more of these literacies. Collection development projects without a strong program piece will not be considered.