The new mexico state library in partnership with creative startups will plan to develop a scalable system for identifying, documenting, and sharing effective library-led programs that support small…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the New Mexico State Library Foundation $512,640 on September 1, 2026, under the National Leadership Grants program (CFDA 45.312) to plan and develop a scalable system for identifying, documenting, and sharing library-led programs that support small business development, workforce pathways, financial literacy, and technology skills.

In partnership with Creative Startups, DreamSpring, and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, the recipient will design and pilot a national platform that disseminates adaptable program models and toolkits developed by libraries across the country. The project will document proven programs created by entrepreneurship librarians, test resources with a national focus group, and develop a sustainability plan for the platform. Deliverables include a pilot collection of library program models and toolkits, a functioning resource-sharing platform, and a long-term implementation plan to support libraries nationwide in strengthening economic opportunity programming.

Work is performed in Corrales, New Mexico through February 29, 2028.

The new mexico state library in partnership with creative startups will plan to develop a scalable system for identifying, documenting, and sharing effective library-led programs that support small business development, workforce pathways, financial literacy, and technology skills. The plan is to design and pilot a national platform that disseminates adaptable program models and toolkits developed by libraries across the country. The planning will take place with dreamspring, and the association for rural and small libraries. The project will document proven programs developed by entrepreneurship librarians, test resources with a national focus group, and develop a sustainability plan for maintaining and expanding the platform. The intended results include a pilot collection of library program models and toolkits, a functioning resource-sharing platform, and a long-term implementation plan that supports libraries nationwide in strengthening economic opportunity programming.