​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2026

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Tim Pratt
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443-695-6772

Maryland State Library Agency Awards Local Innovation Grants

Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds will support literacy programs, mobile services, strategic plans and other efforts across Maryland

BALTIMORE — The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) is pleased to announce the awarding of more than $418,000 in grant funds to public library systems across the state. 

MSLA’s competitive grant program, funded through the federal Library Services and Technology Act administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)​, supports locally developed initiatives to improve reading skills, develop strategic plans, deliver technology and workforce development programs, provide access to telehealth and mobile services, strengthen family literacy programs and more.

“Maryland’s public libraries understand their communities and continually find new ways to meet their changing needs,” said Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr. “MSLA is proud to invest in their work—helping libraries expand access to information, strengthen literacy, introduce innovative services, and create opportunities for Marylanders in every part of our state.” 

The following library systems received funding:

• Calvert Library — Mobile Services Vehicle
• Funding will support the customization of the library system’s mobile services vehicle to meet specific service needs, including senior center lobby stops, homebound delivery, distribution of on-the-go storytime totes, visits to family childcare providers and participation in outreach events. 

• Calvert Library and Worcester County Library — Future Proofing the Public Library
• Funding will strengthen the organizational infrastructure of both library systems, which will enable them to continue to serve as community hubs, support workforce development, provide digital access, support lifelong learning and facilitate civic engagement.

• Carroll County Public Library — Sensory Story Stroll
• Funding will allow the library system to create a Sensory Story Stroll to transform an outdoor public space into an inclusive, literacy-rich, sensory-friendly learning environment where children, families, caregivers, educators, and community members can experience reading, movement, music and nature together.

• Cecil County Public Library — Increasing Library Access
• Funding will be used to purchase and implement Instant Language Assistant devices (ILAs) at each library branch and the mobile library, allowing the library system to provide equitable access to programs and services for the growing population of non-English speaking customers.

• Cecil County Public Library — Reading Buddies
• Funding will be used to finalize the development of a toolkit and purchase materials for the expansion of the Reading Buddies literacy program, which will address the state’s literacy crisis, train community volunteers in the science of reading and connect them with elementary students in need of reading support. 

• Cecil County Public Library — Strategic Planning
• Funding will support strategic planning efforts to ensure the library system continues to be community centered and provides critical access to important and relevant library resources, spaces and services. 
  

• Frederick County Public Library — Facilities Master Planning
• Funding will be used on a new Facilities Master Plan, which will provide the library system with a clear roadmap for long-range growth, strengthen the case for future capital investment and support responsible decisions about how to expand services where they are needed most. 
  

• Harford County Public Library — Facilities Master Planning
• Funding will be used on a new Facilities Master Plan, which will provide a data-driven roadmap for future capital investments, modernization efforts and facility improvements, ensuring library spaces remain welcoming, accessible, responsive and sustainable.

• Howard County Library System — Bridges to Belonging
  Funding will support the Bridges to Belonging Book Club, an effort to serve Howard County’s diverse population by providing free books and fostering cultural immersion and conversation between American born and non-native residents.

• Kent County Public Library — Library of  Things
  Funding will expand the library system’s Library of Things to include telescopes, fiber arts tools, recreation equipment, youth-safe tools and other items as part of an effort to advance equitable access to hands-on learning, community engagement and shared resources.

• Queen Anne’s County Library — Strategic Plan
  Funding will support a strategic plan that enables the library system to tailor its services and resources to meet the evolving needs of the community.

• Southern Maryland Regional Library Association — Regional Collections
  Funding will pay for new software and book club kits to ensure the residents of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties have timely access to information and resources from across the region.

• St. Mary’s County Library — Facilities Master Planning
• Funding will be used to help develop long-range capital improvement plans and give a solid foundation for future capital funding and grant requests.

• Talbot County Free Library — Privacy Pod
  Funding will support the purchase and installation of an ADA-compliant, soundproof privacy pod in the Easton branch to serve as a dedicated space for telehealth and teleservices. 
  

• Washington County Free Library — Safety Training
• Funding will support training for library staff that will focus on resilience, de-escalation and boundary setting, along with physiological and emotional responses to trauma.

• Western Maryland Regional Library — Operational Technology
• Funding will be used to purchase a door-counter system for libraries in Allegany and Garrett counties, which will allow them to provide consistent data on library visits — critical to funding advocacy efforts and operations.

• Wicomico Public Library — Family Literacy
• Funding will support the library system’s Story Book program, which connects children of incarcerated individuals to their parents through the power of reading.

• Wicomico Public Library — Media Literacy Kit
• Funding will be used to purchase, assemble, circulate and maintain kits to help families learn more about media literacy and address the challenges and opportunities throughout our media landscape.