State Aid for Library Construction Program

Overview

The State Aid for Library Construction Program is a grant through the Division of Library Development and administered by Public Library System which allows individual public and association libraries and library systems to apply for funds for capital improvement projects. Libraries can qualify for up to 75% of their total project cost as an award depending on population, the number of libraries applying for funds, and Pioneer Library System Board approval. Funds have been allocated to public library systems based on formulas in Education Law 273-a. The minimum allocation is $2,500 for a project. Repair and general maintenance projects are ineligible to receive construction grant funds.

Intent to Apply

In order to be eligible to apply for a State Aid for Public Library Construction Grant, your library will need to complete an Intent to Apply form by June 25, 2021. Awards will be based on eligibility and total project cost submitted in the Intent to Apply.

Click here to access the form

Approximate Timeline

• March 9, 2021 Informational meeting for libraries intending on applying for a Construction Grant in 2020
• June 25, 2021 Intent to Apply Form due to PLS (Click here to access)
• June 30, 2021 Construction Aid Award Committee meeting to approve library awards
• July 14, 2021 Libraries will be notified of their award amounts
• July 16, 2021 Libraries must affirm that they are moving forward with their projects at the award level announced and may begin work on their full construction aid applications
• September 3, 2021 Full State Aid for Library Construction Applications due to PLS
• September 8, 2021 Construction Grant Committee to recommend project approval at the PLS Board Meeting
• September 9, 2021 Libraries will receive approved recommendation notification from the PLS Board
• October 1, 2021 Approximate deadline for PLS to submit the final construction applications to DLD
• July-August 2022: Libraries will be notified that their applications have been approved by DLD and DASNY
• September-October 2022 Libraries will receive the first initial payment of Construction Grant Funds

System Resources

• State Aid for Library Construction Info Session slides
• State Aid for Library Construction Info Session recording
• Construction Grant Checklist (udpated version coming soon)
• Construction Grant Instructions (updated version coming soon)
• Sample Facilities Plan Outline

State Resources

• State Aid for Library Construction webpage
• Guide to Applying for State Aid for Library Construction webinar
• Frequently Asked Questions
• NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

Contact: Suzanne Macaulay, Deputy Director at smacaulay@pls-net.org