State Library Services, Minnesota Department of Education

“Minnesota State Library Services partners with over 1,800 public, academic, school, and special libraries across the state, leveraging LSTA funds and state resources to empower communities. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable network of library systems that meet the evolving needs of all Minnesotans."
- Tamara Lee, Director of State Library Services and Expanded Learning, Minnesota Department of Education
Project Examples

Digital Navigator Pilot Project
This project supported a culturally-responsive, trauma-informed Digital Navigator program through a partnership between a public library and MN CarePartner, a black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)-led human service organization. With the help of a digital navigator who traveled to locations outside the library, youth and families gained digital skills that had a tangible impact on their lives, including creating and using an e-mail account and using social media to stay connected to family and friends. In approaching digital literacy as more than a stand-alone skill, the digital navigator also assisted with referrals to other services, such as mental health, transportation, housing, financial supports, and vaccination information, to provide holistic support.
IMLS Funds: $246,380.30

Opening Doors to Careers in Libraries
The Northfield Library partnered with the Northfield Community College Collaborative (NCCC) and Northfield High School’s TORCH (Tackling Obstacles, Raising College Hopes) program to implement an inclusive internship program using the Public Library Association’s Inclusive Internship Initiative toolkit. The program provided historically underrepresented students with real-world library experience, fostering interest in library careers. Four interns worked on connected learning projects, created programs, evaluated the Spanish language collection, supported library activities, shadowed academic library staff, and attended a resume workshop.
IMLS Funds: $34,958.80

Technology Makerspace Labs for Teens and Tweens
The Winona Public Library offered 21 lending kits and 10 programs for youth ages 10-16 who did not have access to makerspace materials at home. The programs took place at a recreation center, a childcare center, and a park – both to have adequate space for distancing and to reach youth of color who have trouble getting to the library. Program staff noted that participating youth demonstrated increased computational thinking skills, and 82 percent of surveyed patrons agreed or strongly agreed that they were interested in learning more about coding. The project also addressed a need for access to educational technology in greater Minnesota, encompassing digital literacy skills for college and career readiness.
IMLS Funds: $14,901.80
Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.
Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.
Five-Year Plan Highlights
Goal 1: Building coalitions to increase collective impact.
- Projects include:
- State Library Services scoping, including strengthened coordination among library systems
- Staff development, including leadership training and mentoring opportunities for libraries
- Organizational positioning, including library data and consultation
Goal 2: Partnering for reimagined access.
- Projects include:
- Community and government partnerships
- Reducing barriers to library access
Goal 3: Refining narratives to showcase LSTA-funded library contributions to thriving communities.
- Projects include:
- Communication and messaging
- Future of the library workforce investments, including recruitment and retention strategies
IMLS Data Collection
State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the
SLAA Survey Comparison Tool.
Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.
Impact Videos
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Year Allotment Value 2020 $2,727,652.00 2021 $2,945,597.00 2022 $2,971,100.00 2023 $3,183,362.00 2024 $3,165,524.00
- 5 Year Plan Text
Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.
5 year planAttachment Size minnesota5yearplan.pdf 287.81 KB
- 5 Year Evaluation Text
At the end of a 5-year period, each state reports their results in achieving goals and objectives projected in their 5-Year Plan. View all states' evaluations.
5 year evaluationAttachment Size minnesota5yearevaluation.pdf 1.89 MB