[SOA] FW: Ohio libraries invited to submit proposals for the2025 State Library of Ohio’s LSTA Competitive Grant

Wed Aug 20 16:10:06 EDT 2025

From: ohiolink <ohiolink-bounces at lists.ohiolink.edu> On Behalf Of marshams--- via ohiolink
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 4:45 PM
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Subject: [External] [Ohiolink] Ohio libraries invited to submit proposals for the2025 State Library of Ohio’s LSTA Competitive Grant

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The State Library of Ohio is proud to support Ohio’s libraries in developing programs and services that address the needs of their respective communities while remaining steadfast in their commitment to the values and principles of library service. 
<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants/competitive-grants/competitive-grants__;!!KGKeukY!2jWfnxoVHg4sHWrvdVRNUzMpR5v8qmQOHPwXDV762gxZ4IcFvgJJamFSHlRnbq0QFomt7BXfZ8jGjeJLPGMUqazqJeW_zv557w$>[cid:image002.jpg at 01DC11EC.E42ADA80]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants/competitive-grants/competitive-grants__;!!KGKeukY!2jWfnxoVHg4sHWrvdVRNUzMpR5v8qmQOHPwXDV762gxZ4IcFvgJJamFSHlRnbq0QFomt7BXfZ8jGjeJLPGMUqazqJeW_zv557w$><https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants/competitive-grants/competitive-grants__;!!KGKeukY!2jWfnxoVHg4sHWrvdVRNUzMpR5v8qmQOHPwXDV762gxZ4IcFvgJJamFSHlRnbq0QFomt7BXfZ8jGjeJLPGMUqazqJeW_zv557w$>The State Library of Ohio is proud to support Ohio’s libraries in developing programs and services that address the needs of their respective communities while remaining steadfast in their commitment to the values and principles of library service.

LSTA grants are an essential part of the State Library’s service, and we encourage eligible Ohio libraries to submit proposals for the State Library of Ohio’s LSTA Competitive Grant<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants/competitive-grants/competitive-grants__;!!KGKeukY!2jWfnxoVHg4sHWrvdVRNUzMpR5v8qmQOHPwXDV762gxZ4IcFvgJJamFSHlRnbq0QFomt7BXfZ8jGjeJLPGMUqazqJeW_zv557w$>. This grant initiative supports Ohio’s LSTA Five Year Plan 2023-2027 and invites proposals that address at least one of the following three focus areas:

  *   Library as Community Anchor – Project proposals in this focus area would support the role libraries play in strengthening their communities and providing a destination for learning, engagement, social support, workforce development, and expression. This can include areas of employment-related help, economic development support, civic engagement, gathering spaces, and support for the physical and mental well-being of the community served.

  *   Literacy – These project proposals would support the library’s role in the development of learning experiences where literacy is defined as the ability to read, write, and interact across a range of platforms and tools. This could encompass early literacy, digital literacy, functional literacy, adult literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, and others.

  *   Outreach and Engagement – These project proposals would assist libraries in providing new and innovative ways of offering services to users (and potential users) and in reaching individuals at a variety of locations and through a range of methods. Typically focused outside of the traditional library facility, proposals may include reaching populations not otherwise served by the library as well as the establishment of new or novel partnerships that would expand the library's reach.

“With these three focus areas, eligible Ohio libraries have the opportunity to be innovative and thoughtful in crafting grant applications that effectively support their communities while aligning with the goals of the 2023-2027 LSTA Five-Year Plan,” expressed Evan T. Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development. “I can’t wait to see the projects and initiatives that the library community proposes and that our Board ultimately approves for funding.” 

Eligible libraries of all types are welcome to apply<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://library.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/lib/libraries/grants/competitive-grants/apply__;!!KGKeukY!2jWfnxoVHg4sHWrvdVRNUzMpR5v8qmQOHPwXDV762gxZ4IcFvgJJamFSHlRnbq0QFomt7BXfZ8jGjeJLPGMUqazqJeU77hz23g$>. Applicants may request up to $50,000 in federal funds and all projects must include a 25% local cash match of the total project cost.  Applications must be filled out via online form, supplying required attachments, and must be received at the State Library by 11:59 p.m. October 20, 2025. Please note: applications must be completed in one sitting, so prepare accordingly.

Recommended applications will be presented to the State Library Board for approval in December 2025 and the implementation period is January 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026.

View information about the Ohio LSTA grant program<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://library.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/lib/libraries/grants/additional-resources/overview__;!!KGKeukY!2jWfnxoVHg4sHWrvdVRNUzMpR5v8qmQOHPwXDV762gxZ4IcFvgJJamFSHlRnbq0QFomt7BXfZ8jGjeJLPGMUqazqJeV9bI8_2Q$> including Ohio’s LSTA Five Year Plan 2023-2027<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://library.ohio.gov/static/lsta/LSTA*20Plan*202023-2027.pdf__;JSU!!KGKeukY!2jWfnxoVHg4sHWrvdVRNUzMpR5v8qmQOHPwXDV762gxZ4IcFvgJJamFSHlRnbq0QFomt7BXfZ8jGjeJLPGMUqazqJeW5rijVGQ$> .

Questions may be addressed to LSTA at library.ohio.gov<mailto:LSTA at library.ohio.gov>. For feedback on a draft of an LSTA Competitive Grant proposal, please use this link<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants/additional-resources/request-review__;!!KGKeukY!2jWfnxoVHg4sHWrvdVRNUzMpR5v8qmQOHPwXDV762gxZ4IcFvgJJamFSHlRnbq0QFomt7BXfZ8jGjeJLPGMUqazqJeWIbU81VA$> to submit the draft by Monday, October 6, 2025.

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Marsha McDevitt-Stredney
Director, Marketing & Communications
State Library of Ohio
274 E. 1st Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201
Tel: 614.644.6875
marshams at library.ohio.gov<mailto:marshams at library.ohio.gov>
library.ohio.gov<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://library.ohio.gov/__;!!KGKeukY!2jWfnxoVHg4sHWrvdVRNUzMpR5v8qmQOHPwXDV762gxZ4IcFvgJJamFSHlRnbq0QFomt7BXfZ8jGjeJLPGMUqazqJeVuvxvC4w$>

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