State Grants to Libraries

In the 2020 legislative session, the Colorado Legislature appropriated $2.5 million in the state's budget to fund the State Grants to Libraries Act. The funds will be available to eligible publicly funded school, public and academic libraries to fund grants for library materials as defined in the statute (see CRS 24-90-401). The purpose of the funds is for educational materials in libraries that support efforts to improve literacy and learning.

Final Funding Allocation for 2020-2021

The Colorado State Library is pleased to announce that 315 libraries will be receiving State Grants to Libraries for 2020-2021! The Colorado Legislature appropriated $2.5 million in grant funds because of the continued impact they provide to the communities the libraries serve. Final funding amounts for 2020-2021 are available here (one grant awarded per library jurisdiction, academic institution, or school district).

Timeline

August 25, 2020: Overview and Q&A webinar
Link to archived recording
September 15, 2020: Eligibility forms due
October 2020: Award amounts announced
October-November 2020: Award disbursement begins

June 15, 2021: End of grant period. All funds must be spent
June 30, 2021: Final requests for funds must be received
July 30, 2021: 2020-2021 final grant report due
2020-2021 Final Report link

Latest Resources

section of 20-21 state grants distribution map

2020-2021 Distribution of State Grants to Libraries (PDF): View a map of where the 2020-201 State Grants to Libraries were distributed, funding 315 grants to academic, public, and school libraries across the state. 97% of all libraries in the state received funding at a minimum of $3,500.

partial image of 2019-2020 state grants to libraries impact infographic

The Impact of State Grants to Libraries: 2019-2020 (PDF): In 2019-2020, $3 million was distributed to 318 public, school, academic, and institutional libraries. See how that money was used, some benefits of the funding, and how grantees said the funding helped them.

partial image of 2019-2020 state grants to libraries covid impact infographic

State Grants to Libraries & COVID-19 (PDF): During the 2019-2020 grant year, 1/3 of grantees reported COVID-19 directly impacting their use of funds. Read more about the impact.

Additional Resources

Funding Allocation Charts

2020-2021 Final Funding Allocation (PDF)

These list each previous grant recipient (one grant per main library jurisdiction or school district) and amount.

Webinars

2020-2021 Overview and Q&A webinar
August 25, 2020
Link to archived recording
Presentation slides (PDF)

Purchasing

Eligible Purchases Checklist - Wondering whether you can purchase an item with this funding? Review this checklist of what are eligible purchases, and what are not.
Databases, eBooks, and other subscriptions - special Colorado Library Consortium (CLiC) pricing for vendors that offer online tools and other resources for research
Kits and other non-traditional circulating items: view the Check Out an Experience! CSL in Session archive for ideas on different items to add to your collection and how to implement the circulation.

Colorado Libraries Collaborate! (CLC)

Participant List - Membership in CLC is required for public and academic libraries. Check to see if your library is already a member.
Participation Agreement Form - If you are not a member, you can fill out this form to become eligible for funding.

Contact

Melissa Carlson, Program Manager

carlson_m@cde.state.co.us
303-866-6910

STAY INFORMED: Visit CDE’s COVID-19 Resources for Schools page

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