[SEO-Members] State Library Awards $25, 437 in 2026 LSTA Open Grants

[marshams at library.ohio.gov]

The Academic Library Association of Ohio, Cleveland State University, Delphos Public Library, Wauseon Public Library, Cuyahoga Falls Library, and MidPointe Library System have been awarded federally funded Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Open Grants from the State Library of Ohio. Recognizing that each library knows its community best, the State Library of Ohio’s LSTA Open Grant program offers applicants flexibility in the development of their projects.

The aim is for libraries and library organizations seeking the grant to showcase their innovation and creativity by proposing projects that may not be possible without the support of federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) LSTA funding. 

The LSTA Open Grant program<https://library.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/lib/libraries/grants/open-grant/open-grant> allows libraries to request up to $4,999 in federal funds. No local match is required. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed and awarded to a maximum of six libraries, two times per year. 

Libraries selected from the January–June 2026 application cycle were awarded a total of $25,437. 


  *   Academic Library Association of Ohio – $4,999

Funding will support professional development opportunities for academic libraries in Ohio to enhance sustainability education, programs, and services within their communities. 



  *   Cleveland State University – $4,987

Grant funds will support the development of an asynchronous, modular, AI literacy course to support students who may be struggling to use AI responsibly.



  *   Delphos Public Library – $4,900

The library will use LSTA grant funds to support programs and local history appreciation through the development of a library supported Memory Lab. 



  *   Wauseon Public Library – $4,130

Funding will support the development of special collections and programs to support the young readers who may be struggling with reading. The initiative includes age specific resources and programs and supports the state’s Science of Reading initiative.



  *   Cuyahoga Falls Library – $1,426

Grant Funds will allow the library to provide access to maker style programs and supplies to patrons who face barriers to visiting the library in person.



  *   MidPointe Library System – $4,995

Grant Funds will allow the library to support small businesses and entrepreneurs through enhancements to their makerspace equipment and programs.

The State Library receives federal IMLS LSTA funding through their Grants to States Program. The LSTA Open Grant program is designed to support all types of libraries in addressing specific needs within their communities while advancing the goals outlined in the State Library of Ohio’s LSTA Five-Year Plan.

The State Library of Ohio congratulates the 2026 Open Grant recipients and looks forward to the positive impact these innovative projects will have across their communities.

Read summaries of more Ohio LSTA Grants awardees.<https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants/awarded-grants>

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[State Library of Ohio logo]

Marsha McDevitt-Stredney
Director, Marketing & Communications
State Library of Ohio
35 E. Chestnut St., Floor 5
Columbus, OH 43215-2477
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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