Formula Grant LS260825OLS26

The Maine State Library received a $2,313,971.21 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 the Maine State Library's Five-Year Plan for FY 2023-2027, which aligns with the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) priorities. The funding enables delivery of four core strategic goals: ensuring all Maine residents have access to high-quality information resources through statewide resource sharing; advancing the library workforce through continuing education, professional development, and leadership opportunities; providing enhanced lifelong learning opportunities via online and in-person/virtual library programs; and expanding library services to underserved populations, including rural and remote communities, individuals with disabilities, homebound residents, immigrants, and economically disadvantaged Maine residents.

As a formula grant distributed based on state population, this award allows the Maine State Library to distribute funds through competitive subawards or cooperative agreements with eligible public, academic, research, school, or special libraries and consortia throughout the state. The grant supports standard LSTA-eligible initiatives such as electronic database access, computer instruction, homework centers, digitization of special collections, e-books, adaptive technology, bookmobile services, and targeted outreach programming designed to expand equitable information access and educational resources across Maine's diverse populations.