State Library of Ohio
274 East First Avenue
Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43201
United States
The Grants to States Program
The Grants to States Program is the largest grant program run by IMLS; it provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) using a population-based formula set by the law. SLAAs determine goals and objectives for the funds in their statutorily required five-year plan (see below). For more information, see the Grants to States program overview.
Allotments
| Year | Allotment Value |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5,245,313.00 |
| 2021 | $5,256,514.00 |
| 2022 | $5,253,097.00 |
| 2023 | $5,489,577.00 |
| 2024 | $5,448,084.00 |
5 Year Plan
Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| ohio5yearplan.pdf | 1.81 MB |
5 Year Evaluation
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.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| ohio5yearevaluation.pdf | 2.8 MB |
Wendy Knapp, State Librarian
Project Examples
Undesign the Redline
Dayton Metro Library worked with many partners to bring the nationally touring exhibit Undesign the Redline to over 13,000 library patrons. The exhibit focused on the use of redlining maps in the 1930s that defined neighborhoods and how those actions created wealth and opportunity gaps that exist today. The exhibit was localized with content relevant to the Dayton community and then made further accessible by hiring student and adult docents, producing a video tour element, and co-hosting library programs relevant to the themes. Surveys confirmed positive learning outcomes, with patrons agreeing or strongly agreeing that they gained new knowledge, could apply what they learned, and would recommend that others visit the exhibit.
IMLS Funds: $4,999
American Sign Language Storytimes
The Worthington Libraries increased essential early literacy skills among deaf and hard of hearing children ages 3-5 through a series of American Sign Language storytime videos presented online via YouTube. The library partnered with the Ohio Citizens for Deaf Cultures to produce seven age-appropriate videos featuring different books. Copies of the books were added to the collections of Worthington Libraries and the Ohio School for the Deaf Library. The project increased the capacity of Ohio public libraries to serve deaf and hard of hearing children, who comprise a traditionally underserved population.
IMLS Funds: $2,886
Guiding Ohio Online
Guiding Ohio Online is an LSTA and locally funded program that places digital literacy trainers in rural Ohio libraries 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: $271,114.13
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.