The Library of Michigan (LM) is pleased to announce eleven Improving Access to Information grants for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. LM received 19 applications from academic and public libraries working to provide further access and services to their students and communities. The awards total $231,709. Congratulations to the libraries! The Improving Access to Information Grant program is intended to help Michigan’s public and academic libraries provide improved services or resources in one of three areas; literacy, local history or special collections, and improving online access for community members who have limited access. Of the eleven grant recipients, two are academic library and nine are public libraries. Six grants support literacy related programs, four grants support local history or special collections programs, and two support improving online access. The project descriptions are below. Capital Area District Libraries - “Continued Digitization of the Stebbins Real Estate Collection” - $25,000 The Capital Area District Library will continue the systematic digitization of the Stebbins Real Estate Collection (1920s-1970s). This collection provides an unparalleled street-level view of Lansing’s industrialization and the systemic housing policies that shaped our modern landscape. By finalizing this digitization, we will complete the transition of this massive, fragile archive into a fully searchable, public-facing digital resource. Charlotte Community Library – “Charlotte Community Library Mobile Unit” - $25,000 The Charlotte Community Library will purchase and outfit a Mobile Unit to provide community outreach opportunities. The Mobile Unit will allow the Library to increase services to homebound community members. It will also double youth and adult community programming and establish a Pop-Up Library Program at local nursing homes, retirement communities, adult foster care, and shelters. Dearborn Public Library – “Maker-prenuers Build Dearborn” - $25,000 The Dearborn Public Library will develop and host the Maker-preneurs Build Dearborn Series. This program provides 12–17 year-olds comprehensive instruction with various pieces of maker equipment. Participants will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to operate this equipment, as well as how to develop a product along with branding and marketing, ultimately culminating in the creation of a product for sale in a mini-fair. Eastern Michigan University Library – “Accessing the Sounds of Michigan: Describing the River Street Anthology” - $24,983 The Eastern Michigan University Library will work on preserving and making the River Street Anthology (RSA) accessible to students and the community. The RSA is a collection documenting the music of hundreds of Michigan artists recorded between 2015–2026 in homes, community spaces, and venues across the state. It includes over 600 audio and video recordings, creating a unique snapshot of Michigan’s independent music culture. Gary Byker Memorial Library of Hudsonville – “Golden Moments Café” - $17,343 The Gary Byker Memorial Library will launch a new program for individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers. This monthly gathering will promote social engagement, provide memory-loss-friendly activities, and foster meaningful connections among participants facing similar challenges and create an opportunity for continued lifelong learning in a welcoming, supportive environment. Gladwin County Library – “ Rural Connectivity” - $6,020 The Gladwin County Library will increase their in-demand digital access service for their rural population. This expansion will ensure that those who cannot access digital connectivity for learning, employment, and personal growth are able to borrow mobile hotspots for digital access. Jackson District Library – “Outdoor Solar Charging Stations for Library Branches” - $25,000 The Jackson District Library will expand access to technology and community space by installing solar-powered charging stations at three branch locations. These will allow residents to charge devices while accessing the library’s Wi‑Fi, even outside of building hours. The spaces will support outdoor programming, provide convenient amenities for families and community members, and create welcoming environments for reading, learning, and connection. Oakland University Educational Resources Lab – “Bridging the Access Gap: Literacy Kits for K-5 Reading Intervention” - $25,000 The Educational Resources Lab at Oakland University will develop and circulate twenty literacy access kits to increase participation in reading intervention for K-5 students. The kits will be used in conjunction with literacy instruction for students participating in the Oakland University Reading Clinic and when not in use in the clinic, will be available to teachers, the university community and community members. Orion Township Public Library – “Orion History Solar Eco-Posts” - $13,250 The Orion Township Public Library will use local history archive to create several interactive displays around the city. These displays will be installations of archival photos at historical sites and recorded audio messages explaining the site’s historical significance. The display will include links to the library's Orion History Archive for more access to digitized newspapers, photos, obituaries, oral histories, etc. Spring Lake District Library – “Spring Lake Storywalk 2026” - $20,113 The Spring Lake District Library will install permanent StoryWalk signs throughout the community to encourage reading, literacy, and outdoor activity for families and residents of all ages. The project will create a literacy experience that promotes early childhood learning, family engagement, and community wellness. Traverse Area District Library – “Camp Roy-El Collection Preservation and Access Initiative: A Framework for Regional Cultural Heritage Stewardship” - $25,000 The Traverse Area District Library will preserve and improve access to Camp Roy-El Collection. Cam Roy-El provided free summer camp experiences for disabled youth for more than 40 years. The collection documents the experiences of disabled children in mid-twentieth-century northern Michigan and the volunteers, donors, and community members who made the camp possible. Through photographs, audiovisual materials, records, and ephemera, it preserves an important and underrepresented history of disability, recreation, and community care. If you would like more information about the Library of Michigan grant programs, please go to www.michigan.gov/lsta<http://www.michigan.gov/lsta> and see the grant programs sections for program descriptions and documentation. The Library of Michigan grant programs are made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library