NYS Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Competitive Grant Program

NYS Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Competitive Grant Program is sponsored by New York State Library (NYSL). This program aims to improve public libraries' and library systems' capacity to offer services and information resources in their communities, focusing on outreach and community engagement, best practices in literacy, and social wellbeing.

Projects can include outreach, programming, expert consultations, and purchase of supplies and technology.

New York State Libraries and the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) | NYSL New York State Libraries and the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) LSTA Plans and Evaluations Competitive Grant Program The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) is legislation that supports the distribution of federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS) to state library agencies based on population.

The New York State Library receives $8. 1 million to support New York’s 7,000 libraries, 72 library systems, and the NYS Library itself. The Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) program provides federal funds that help support local libraries throughout New York State.

The program encourages the blending of local, state, and federal resources to build and enhance library services for all New Yorkers. Through the LSTA program, New Yorkers benefit from $8. 1 million in federal funding to libraries in fiscal year 2025.

These funds strengthen connections and provide vital services to New York State’s 7,000 libraries, 72 library systems, and the New York State Library. LSTA funds are distributed to all fifty states through the Grants to States program, administered by the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

In New York State, these funds are used to support employment information services, early literacy and adult literacy programs and access to high-quality electronic resources. Although federal funds represent less than one percent of library expenditures in New York State, their impact is great, as they leverage state and local funds and fuel innovation.

Support our Nation’s Libraries by Funding the LSTA Program What Does the LSTA Program Mean for New York State? Collections Stewardship and Access Community Engagement and Social Wellbeing Champion Lifelong Learning LSTA funds support outstanding library programs for all New Yorkers. The NYS Library supports Ready to Read at New York Libraries, an early literacy program that benefits children and families across New York State.

Over one million children across New York State participate in Summer Reading at New York Libraries annually. A wide array of information in major commercial databases is freely available to all New Yorkers through the New York Electronic Virtual Library (NOVELny). Advance Collections Stewardship and Access LSTA funds support access to collections through digitization and preservation.

The NYS Library, library systems, and local libraries offer free public access to a growing number of New York’s public documents and other historical materials through digitization.

Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) is a statewide program providing free planning and education services to support organizations that safeguard and ensure access to New York's historical records and library research materials. The NYS Library’s research collections include over 20 million items and are utilized by researchers on-site, online, and via interlibrary loan.

Demonstrate Excellence in Public Service LSTA funds support professional development and training delivered at no cost to over 200,000 library staff and trustees annually. The NYS Library and local and national partners collaborate to deliver quality training for library staff and trustees at New York’s 7,000 academic, public, school, and special libraries.

Strengthen Community Engagement and Promote Social Wellbeing LSTA funds support equitable access for all New Yorkers. Library systems across the state partner with the NYS Library to support adult literacy, workforce development, and other outreach programs for residents who are institutionalized or who have difficulty accessing library services.

New York libraries receive technical assistance with E-Rate discounts, averaging over $10 million/year in federal funding for internet connections and equipment. The NYS Library provides state-level leadership, planning, coordination, consultation, and support services to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.