Formula Grant LS260820OLS26

The Illinois State Library received $8.7 million in Formula Grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Grants to States program (CFDA 45.310) for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027. These funds support implementation of the Illinois State Library's Five-Year Plan (FY 2023-2027) aligned with the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). The grant enables the Illinois library system to extend access to information and educational resources across all types of libraries statewide through initiatives including electronic database access, computer instruction, homework centers, summer reading programs, digitized special collections, e-books, adaptive technology, and bookmobile services.

The Illinois State Library will utilize these funds to advance three primary strategic goals: extending library services to all Illinois residents through improved access to information and ideas; positioning libraries as educational anchors supporting education, information fluency, and lifelong learning; and enhancing quality library services through innovation in collection development, community engagement, and best practices. As the State Library Administrative Agency, the organization may distribute funds through competitive subawards or cooperative agreements with eligible public, academic, research, school, and special libraries and consortia throughout Illinois to implement the approved state plan and serve the general public.