[OPLINLIST] Libraries Invited to Apply for the 2026 LSTA COBAA Collection Development Grant

[marshams at library.ohio.gov]

[Logo  AI-generated content may be incorrect.]<https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants/cobaa>The State Library of Ohio invites libraries to apply for a Celebrating Ohio Book Awards & Authors (COBAA) LSTA grant<https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants/cobaa> to support collection development and collection-related program initiatives for their communities. The COBAA grant enables libraries to purchase books by Ohio authors and books recognized by Ohio-based book award programs, as indicated within the grant’s Book Selection Tool. This unique initiative allows libraries to expand collections and support literacy by connecting Ohio readers to Ohio authors and Ohio book award winners. The COBAA grant is made possible with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

 The maximum COBAA grant award is $2,000 per eligible institution. No local matching funds are required. Grant applications must be submitted online via the State Library website by 11:59 PM, January 12, 2026.

 “The State Library of Ohio is thrilled to announce the launch of the COBAA LSTA grant for 2026,” stated Evan T. Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development. “Robust collections are vital for the exceptional services provided by libraries in Ohio. This initiative enables libraries to enrich their collections and showcase outstanding authors and illustrators connected to Ohio, all without the requirement for local match funds. The State Library of Ohio is proud to support this effort.”

 The 2026 COBAA Book List has over 2,000 eligible books including those nominated and awarded by the Ohio Book Awards<https://www.ohioana.org/programs/ohio-book-awards/>, Buckeye Children's and Teen Book Award<http://www.bcbookaward.info/>, Floyd’s Pick Book Award<https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/library-programs-and-development/ctro/floyds-pick-book-award>, James Cook Book Award, Arnold Adoff Poetry Awards<https://www.kent.edu/virginiahamiltonconference/about-awards>, Dayton Literary Peace Prize<http://daytonliterarypeaceprize.org/>, Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards<http://www.anisfield-wolf.org/>, Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction<https://scottodell.com/the-scott-odell-award>, Thurber Prize for American Humor<https://www.thurberprize.org/about>, Nancy Dasher Book Award<https://ceaoenglishnotes.com/awards/nancy-dasher-book-award/> and Norman A. Sugarman Children's Biography Award<https://cpl.org/norman-a-sugarman-childrens-award/>. Also included are all Choose to Read Ohio<https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/library-programs-and-development/ctro> selections to date. The awarded federal funds must be used to purchase titles from the COBAA Book List.

To facilitate the selection process, an online, COBAA grant specific Book Selection Tool<https://cobaa.library.ohio.gov/> is available to browse and create a list (PDF and/or Excel) of intended purchases. This list must be included/attached with the online application.

Visit the State Library’s COBAA webpage<https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants/cobaa> for more Information, materials, and application.

Questions may be addressed to Jeff Regensburger, LSTA Coordinator, via LSTA at library.ohio.gov<mailto:LSTA at library.ohio.gov> or 614-644-6863.

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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://library.ohio.gov/>

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