Contact Name
Ms. Tamara Lee
Contact Title
Director, State Libraries and Expanded Learning
State Library Address

State Library Services, Minnesota Department of Education
400 NE Stinson Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55413
United States

Contact Email Address
tamara.lee@state.mn.us
Grants to State Programs

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
    YearAllotment 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 plan
    Attachment 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 evaluation
    Attachment Size
    minnesota5yearevaluation.pdf 1.89 MB

    Project Examples

    written text on paper in child's handwriting.

    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 

    Diagram wheel with text

    Advancing Racial Equity in Libraries 
    State Library Services partnered with key organizations to facilitate Project READY, a professional development curriculum focused on improving relationships with, services to, and resources for youth of color and Native youth. Using a facilitated learning model, 53 youth services library staff participated in four cohorts that met bi-weekly during the grant period. Partners included the Minnesota Library Association and Information and Technology Educators of Minnesota, a professional organization for school library media specialists. During the project period State Library Services participated in listening sessions on racial equity in libraries and heard the importance of involving people of color as guides and deep partners in this work. They engaged with an Equity Advisory Committee to prioritize this concept. 
    IMLS Funds: $7,785.27 

    girl sitting at table and playing game on tablet

    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