Federal Grant Award Summary

The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives received a $4.1 million formula grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Grants to States program (CFDA 45.310) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. This award supports implementation of Kentucky's Five-Year Plan (FY 2023-2027) aligned with the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). The funding enables the state to deliver three primary service categories: information access initiatives that provide resources and public records access to all Kentuckians; institutional capacity building through professional development and training for public library and archival staff; and lifelong learning services that enhance library programming in early literacy, youth development, employment support, and civic engagement.

As the designated State Library Administrative Agency, KDLA distributes formula grant funds through competitive subawards and cooperative agreements to eligible public, academic, research, and special libraries throughout Kentucky. Allowable uses of these LSTA funds include access to electronic databases, computer instruction, homework centers, summer reading programs, digitization of special collections, adaptive technology, and bookmobile services. Projects undertaken by KDLA and its sub-awardees have included leadership development training in partnership with the University of Kentucky School of Information Science and the Kentucky Public Library Association, as well as creation of online toolkits and training materials for library professionals to support digital inclusion and expanded community engagement.