Grants

Grants

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Kittner Library 

Leonardtown Library, St. Mary's County Library, Maryland

​According to a November 2024 Statewide Facilities Assessment, over half of the 190 public library buildings in Maryland are more than 25 years old, with many requiring updates like new roofs, upgraded facilities, and new construction. Maryland State Library Agency provides grants to library systems to evaluate existing facilities and develop priorities and plans to improve them.​

​​LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) 

Every year, the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) grants almost $2 million of LSTA funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)​ Grants to States​ program to public libraries. These Federal funds support staff development, innovative pilot projects, and preparedness by funding strategic and facility master plans. The Public Library and State Networking Branch (PLSNB) staff act as grant liaisons to public libraries receiving LSTA funds through sub-grants. Learn more about Maryland public library grants and funds.​​​​​
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County Library Capital Grants

The Maryland State Library​ Agency (MSLA) oversees a County Library Capital Grant Program that provides $7.5 million annually for the renovation, expansion and construction of public library facilities. Since the program began in 2008, capital grants have been awarded to each of Maryland’s 24 library systems to improve one or more of their buildings. The $101 million authorized by the General Assembly has generated an estimated $400 million in local matching funds.

While most of the grant awards have funded basic renovations, an astounding 21 unique public libraries have also opened, from the Eastern Shore to Western Maryland. These new public libraries include Anne Arundel (Annapolis), Baltimore (Perry Hall & ​Sollers Point), Cecil (Northeast), Charles (Waldorf West), Frederick (Brunswick, Myersville & Walkersville), Harford (Havre de Grace), Howard (Miller), Montgomery (Silver Spring Wheaton), St. Mary's (Leonardtown), Somerset (Cri​sfield), Washington (Boonsboro & Hancock) and Worcester (Berlin & Ocean City) counties. Three more state-of-the-art facilities opened in 2024 in Anne Arundel (Riviera Beach), Calvert (Twin Beaches), and Frederick (Middletown) counties with support from the state.​​​​