Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
300 Coffee Tree Road
P.O. Box 537
Frankfort, KY 40602-0537
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 | $2,496,185.00 |
| 2021 | $2,527,254.00 |
| 2022 | $2,521,417.00 |
| 2023 | $2,723,227.00 |
| 2024 | $2,708,198.00 |
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 |
|---|---|
| kentucky5yearplan.pdf | 1007.99 KB |
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 |
|---|---|
| kentucky5yearevaluation.pdf | 2.48 MB |
Project Examples
Do Science at Home: STEAM Kits
Kentucky Science Center launched the Do Science at Home project, with kits containing materials and instructions for families with students in grades 3 through 6. They focused on activities that connect to science in society, timely research, and professional pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields, stocking the kits with items such as microscopes, compasses, and craft supplies. In doing so, the project helped to expose Kentucky students to future career opportunities and pipelines while supporting the formal educational curriculum with informal, hands-on activities. Over 12,000 kits were created and distributed to 4,960 families via public libraries throughout the state.
IMLS Funds: $150,000
Workforce Subgrant
The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives aimed to improve knowledge of workforce development and digital literacy among adult library users by circulating laptop and hotspot kits. Twenty Kentucky public libraries received awards for 130 laptops, hotspot hardware, laptop software, and additional supplies to support their local lending programs. Over a seven-month period during the pandemic, the laptop/hotspot kits circulated over 900 times, and 90 percent of survey respondents indicated feeling confident in what they learned through these resources. Other anecdotes suggested life-changing outcomes, such as securing employment and finishing degrees.
IMLS Funds: $93,508.18
Kentucky Talking Book Library
The Kentucky Talking Book Library (KTBL) provided free library service to Kentuckians unable to read traditional print due a visual, physical, or reading disability. Braille and audiobooks were mailed to patrons and returned postage free, or patrons downloaded books from the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) website. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) Librarians provided user support, book selection services, patron account maintenance, and reference/referral services. Staff also participated in outreach activities to introduce the service to potential new users. KTBL converted older audio books to a digital format during the pandemic and posted all converted books to the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled’s comprehensive online catalog and the BARD website. KTBL continues to be part of a Braille eReader pilot with other states.
IMLS Funds: $193,143.27
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: Information Access - Support the information needs of all Kentuckians by providing access to resources and public records.
- Projects include:
- Information access, including a centralized collection of library and archival materials
- Kentucky Talking Book Library
- Digital archives, including the conversion of analog court records
- E-resources and database collections
Goal 2: Institutional Capacity - Enhance the knowledge and skills of public library and archival staff through professional development and training opportunities.
- Projects include:
- Technology support to train library staff on digital literacy skills
- Public library and archival staff development
- Regional consultant support to public library staff and trustees
Goals 3: Lifelong Learning - Assist libraries in improving services to Kentuckians that support lifelong learning, employment, early literacy and youth development, and civic engagement.
- Projects include:
- Youth Services support
- Prime Time Family Reading Time®
- Science in Play to Go mobile exhibits in public libraries
- Workforce and adult services support
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.