Any public library or public library system chartered by the NYS Regents or established by an act of the NYS Legislature is eligible to apply for State Aid for Library Construction.
Having trouble getting started on your construction grant narratives? Looking for a contractor? Wondering what types of projects are eligible or been approved in the past?
Check out these past construction grant projects:
The following project types ARE eligible for NYS Library Construction Aid:
For more information about project eligibility, please visit the New York State Library State Aid for Library Construction site.
This program provides funding to cover costs for eligible construction projects.
All NYS chartered libraries are eligible for funding up to 50%, with the library providing a 50% match (also referred to as the library share or library portion).
Projects in economically disadvantaged communities are eligible for funding up to 75% of project costs, with the library providing a 25% contribution.
As of 2019, projects in economically distressed communities are eligible for funding up to 90% of project costs, with the library providing a 10% library share.
NCLS encourages libraries to plan for matching funds (or a library share/contribution) of 50% with the understanding that they may receive a greater than 50% award from the state.
For more information on matching funds (i.e. the library's share), please visit the New York State Library State Aid for Library Construction site.