"The State Library of Ohio is proud of the important work that has been accomplished using LSTA funds. Our grants support and expand library services in all types of libraries throughout the state. Leveraging these federal funds allows us to provide services to libraries for the greater good of all Ohioans. This investment in libraries is a commitment to the well-being of individuals and communities alike. Together we work towards our goal of A Smarter Ohio."

-- Mandy Knapp, State Librarian, State Library of Ohio
 

Summer Library Program
Under this special grant program, Ohio libraries were able to request up to $2000 in LSTA funds to enhance their 2024 Summer Library Programs/Summer Reading Programs with events that spark creativity and productivity, engage individuals, and benefit their communities. Funds were used to purchase program and presentation materials, supplies, and/or contractual services. A total of 46 grants were awarded; and, though not required, many awardees chose to link their Summer Library Program grant initiatives to the National Summer Library Program theme, "Adventure Begins at Your Library."
IMLS Funds: $60,707.56
 

An Enemy of the People Theater Project from America's Hometown
The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, in partnership with Kenyon College, Mount Vernon Arts Consortium, and Theater of War Productions, presented two performances of excerpted scenes from Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People; one at Knox Memorial Theater in Mount Vernon, and one in Oden Hall at Kenyon College in Gambier. Performances featured a number of acclaimed actors (including David Strathairn, Elizabeth Marvel, and Bill Camp) performing alongside local community members and leaders. Audience participation was encouraged as all attendees were invited to grapple with timely and challenging topics such as public health and the role of the free press. Each performance concluded with a guided audience discussion that allowed for robust conversations and real community connection.
IMLS Funds: $13,527
 

Guiding Ohio Online
Guiding Ohio Online is an LSTA and locally funded program that places digital literacy trainers in Ohio libraries serving rural populations to provide computer classes, one-on-one computer assistance, and other outreach. During the project period trainers traveled over 3,000 miles to meet library patrons at their point of need, particularly in areas of Ohio hardest hit by poverty and joblessness. The vision is for every Ohioan to be able to fully participate in online government, search and apply for jobs online, connect with family online, protect personal information in the digital age, and understand the risks and benefits of internet finance.
IMLS Funds: $358,141.64
 

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: Learning - Educating Ohioans for Success 

• Projects include:
  • Pre-K to K-12 education initiatives 
  • Support for VR, audiovisual, makerspace and related technologies 
  • Summer reading
  • Digital literacy training, including in rural Ohio libraries 
  • Subgrants related to formal and informal learning 

Goal 2: Building Community Capacity and Engagement

• Projects include:
  • Serving Every Ohioan (SEO) Center integrated library system
  • Ohio Digital Library 
  • Statewide information network providers 
  • Regional consortia support for common technology platforms 
  • Expanded use of the historic and artistic record of Ohio 
  • State government records 
  • Ohio Memory (digital repository) and cultural heritage organization partnerships 
  • Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) hub for Ohio 
  • Communities’ social needs addressed through libraries
  • Libraries as social centers for residents
  • Job training, employment services, and tax preparation assistance 
  • Immigration and citizenship services 
  • Staff training for mental health needs of patrons and colleagues 
  • Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
  • Universal Design standards to ensure equitable access to libraries 
  • Expansion of physical access to collections, such as courier services 
  • Expanded internet access 
  • Subgrants related to capacity and engagement 

Goal 3: Strengthening Libraries 

• Projects include:
  • Library Leadership Ohio (future leader development) 
  • Staff education and training
  • Regional Library Systems grants to support continuing education, technology, or special populations 
  • Assistance with library space planning 
  • Strategic planning consulting 
  • Public Library Statistics data collection 

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.

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