State Grants to Libraries

In the 2023 legislative session, the Colorado Legislature appropriated $3 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 2023-2024

The Colorado State Library is pleased to announce that 312 libraries will be receiving State Grants to Libraries for 2023-2024! The Colorado Legislature appropriated $3 million in grant funds because of the continued impact they provide to the communities the libraries serve. Final funding amounts for 2023-2024 are available here (one grant awarded per library jurisdiction, academic institution, or school district).

Timeline

August 29, 2023: Overview and Q&A webinar
Link to archived recording
Webinar slides (PDF)
September 15, 2023: Eligibility forms due

October 2023: Award amounts announced
July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024: Grant funding period
June 30, 2024: Last day to request funds
July 31, 2024: 2023-2024 final grant report due

Latest Resources

section of 2021-2022 state grants distribution map

2022-2023 Distribution of State Grants to Libraries (PDF): View a map of where the 2022-2023 State Grants to Libraries were distributed, funding 314 grants to academic, public, and school libraries across the state. 97% of all libraries in the state received funding at a minimum of $4,500.

partial of image of 21-22 state grants to libraries impact

The Impact of State Grants to Libraries: 2021-2022 (PDF): In 2021-2022, $3 million was distributed to 315 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.

Additional Resources

Funding Allocation Charts

2023-2024 Final Funding Allocation (PDF)

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

Webinars

2023-2024 Overview and Q&A webinar
Link to archived recording
Webinar 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, E-books, and other subscriptions - special Colorado Library Consortium (CLiC) pricing for vendors that offer online tools and other resources for research

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