[OPLINLIST] State Library of Ohio Board Approves Over 2.1 Million Dollars in Federal Grants

[marshams at library.ohio.gov]

During its May meeting, the State Library of Ohio Board approved grants totaling more than 2.1 million dollars in federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding, distributed to the State Library via the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The approved grants include:


  *   $234,000 for the operation of the Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled<https://library.ohio.gov/awards-olbpd-grant-2025>
  *   $341,208 for eighteen public libraries in Ohio that serve rural communities to employ a dedicated technology trainer through the Guiding Ohio Online grant program<https://library.ohio.gov/18-libraries-goo-grants-2025>
  *   $1,534,922 for the Ohio Web Library core set of library databases available to all Ohioans through their public, school, and academic libraries. <https://library.ohio.gov/state-library-board-grants-databases>

Additional funding and in-kind support for the Ohio Web Library is provided by Libraries Connect Ohio partners OhioLINK, OPLIN, and INFOhio.
On May 8, 2025, State Librarian Mandy Knapp received reassurances that the State Library of Ohio should receive the remainder of its Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States federal funds for the upcoming federal fiscal year (FFY2025). However, the federal legislation that authorizes LSTA Grants to States funding, called the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018, is set to expire on September 30, 2025. This act requires reauthorization for the State Library of Ohio to maintain its services to Ohio libraries of all types and to provide library databases for all Ohioans. Additionally, reauthorization is essential for the State Library to continue the distribution of federal grant funds to libraries, including ongoing funding for the Guiding Ohio Online grant program in subsequent grant cycles.

“The State Library is proud to leverage federal dollars from IMLS in support these vital programs and initiatives to enhance and uplift libraries and Ohioans,” expressed Evan T. Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development. “Whether it's providing research and information-gathering assistance via databases, digital literacy support, or working in rural communities that typically lack access to technology training, this is money well-spent and with far-reaching effects.”

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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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