Stronger Together: Improving Library Access

The Stronger Together: Improving Library Access opportunity provides grants to local libraries so they can acquire bookmobiles and community outreach vehicles and offer programs that improve library access and program delivery. 

The purpose of this project is to help libraries eliminate barriers and implement new ways to bring literacy, technology and other services to those who face challenges visiting their local public library. When Californians lack transportation, live far from their library, or work long hours, mobile libraries and expanded program delivery make it possible to access library services and programs. All participating libraries will: Acquire a new or modify an existing bookmobile or community outreach vehicle, or provide programs intended to improve library access and program delivery Have a partner or community connection with at least one organization Provide brief quarterly reports on status of bookmobiles or community outreach vehicles An applicant must be a California public library, or a California cooperative system, consortium or library membership organization. Cooperatives, consortia or library organizations must apply on behalf of a specific, defined group of affiliate libraries. Most awards will be from $50,000 to $250,000, though we may consider smaller or larger amounts (for example, in the case of a cooperative application) on a case-by-case basis. A match is required for these grants, which may be cash, in-kind, or a combination of both. The match will be based on your library's Local Income Per Capita (LIPC) level, which is derived from California Public Libraries Survey data. For libraries in LIPC Level 1, a 20% match will be required. For LIPC Level 2, a 25% match will be required. For LIPC Level 3, a 30% match will be required. The match is a percentage of funds requested, not a percentage of the total budget. For example, the 20% match on a $100,000 funding request would be $20,000. We will consider reductions in match on a limited, case-by-case basis. Each funded project must have at least one partner or community connection. A partner is defined as an organization with which your library has a written agreement and which also provides resources to the project, either cash or in-kind, or both. A community connection is defined as an organization that supports your project but with whom you have no formal written agreement. We are seeking projects that are guided by the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of project planning, implementation, and evaluation. Funded projects can include the purchase of vehicles, such as bookmobiles, vans, bikes, or other vehicles, to extend library services to hard-to-reach populations. Projects involving vehicles that use alternative fuels, such as electric vehicles, are especially encouraged. Proposals for program support for existing vehicles that are underutilized because of lack of staff and other resources such as collections and equipment will also be considered. Projects may also include proposals to support programs intended to improve library access and program delivery, including lockers and pop-up libraries. Please visit the opportunity webpage in the link below for full grant details.