The Library of Michigan Public Library Services grant program is back! LM is pleased to announce the 2026 grant application is open. Applications are due March 25^th at 5:00 PM. Detailed information on the grant program, including timeline, applicant eligibility, and the application is available at www.michigan.gov/lsta in Public Library Services Grant program section. Highlights are below. We recommend reading the documentation thoroughly before applying as there are significant changes from the previous years.

Public Library Services 2026 Grant program

This LSTA grant program is designed to support public library programming in the areas of literacy, digital access, and/or local history.

For 2026, the grant program will fund kits that circulate to the public. Some examples are family literacy outreach backpacks, robotics or electronics kits, digital conversion kits, laptops or family oral history kits. Materials are for circulating to the public but may be used in demonstrations when not in circulation. Sample ideas are available here. You may request multiple sets of the same kit or multiple types of kits.

Grant Details:

• Applications are due Wednesday, March 25th by 5:00 PM EST.
• Branch locations are eligible for grants, however, ALL branch applications must be submitted and managed by the main or administrative branch.
• A UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) number from SAM.gov is REQUIRED on the application.
• Funding will be from $500 to $1,500 per location.
• Funding is by reimbursement only.
• Eligible applicants are Michigan public libraries that are legally established and currently eligible for state aid.
• The grant period is from mid-April to August, with expenditures complete by July.

An application webinar will be held Monday, March 9^th at 2:00 PM. Registration is on the Public Library Services grants page. The grant program is lightly competitive. Applications and all accompanying documents are submitted online. If you have not applied for a grant or stipend since July 2025, please be aware the application system has changed, and you will need to set up a new login.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Karren Reish

Library Grants Coordinator

Library of Michigan

517-241-0021 / www.mi.gov/lsta

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