Technology Opportunities for the Public Grants: The 2024 TOP Grant:

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is pleased to provide a grant opportunity to public libraries across Tennessee. This grant is supported by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

The Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant is available for public libraries to be able to provide services for their communities. Grant funds are available for the following:

  • Training
  • Hotpots
  • Solar Charging Tables
  • Internal Connections

Please note: All libraries participating in this grant must provide digital literacy training to the public. Applicants that do not request funds for training will be required to document at least 4 public digital literacy classes held during the grant period.

Grant awards are in the amount of up to $20,000.00.  Grant contracts will start on July 1, 2023, and end on June 30, 2024. Additional information is available in the application available below.

For questions, please contact Jennifer Cowan-Henderson.

Construction Grants:

Secretary of State Tre Hargett promotes the advancement of public library services in Tennessee in many ways. Among them is providing funds for public library construction. These funds are available via a competitive grant process, and can be used for new construction, additions and extensive renovations.

Construction Grant Application

Construction Grant Application PDF

Technology Grants:

Technology Grants:  These grants are open to any public library in Tennessee for the purchase of technology for use in the library.  This is a 50/50 matching grant, which means that for every grant dollar received, a matching local dollar is required.  This is a reimbursement grant, so as the grantee receives applicable invoices for purchases made, the State will reimburse half of each until the grant award has been met.

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2024 Tech Grant Application

Applications will be rated based on need and the applicant’s ability to meet or exceed the following terms and conditions:

  • Are a recognized public library by TSLA;
  • Are currently in compliance with Children’s Internet Protection Act;
  • Follow the grant application procedures and meet grant application deadlines;
  • Demonstrate a clear ability and designated personnel to administer the grant responsibly;
  • Present realistic cost/funding estimates under $20,000.00 for the grant objective;
  • Offer well-focused, specific project proposals that identify specific objects or supplies to be procured, that concentrate on promoting technology in the public library for the staff and the public.

Federal Funding:

Federal funding for libraries is made possible through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Through LSTA legislation, all fifty State Library Agencies, the District of Columbia, and U. S. territories, receive annual appropriations using a population-based formula. The statutory language of LSTA stipulates that the State Library Agency shall expend the funds for:

  • expanding services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages;
  • developing library services that provide all users access to information through local, state, regional, national, and international electronic networks;
  • providing electronic and other linkages among and between all types of libraries;
  • developing public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations;
  • targeting library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills; and
  • targeting library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty level.  

The Tennessee State Library and Archives uses its annual LSTA appropriation to support statewide library initiatives which benefit all types of libraries, such as the Tennessee Electronic Library and SHAREit, a statewide library catalog which promotes resource sharing. Federal funds also support the development of technology infrastructure in public libraries through grants for hardware and software and through ongoing technology assistance to small and medium-sized public libraries. In addition, federal funds are used to supplement public library services to the disadvantaged, e.g. job training centers in libraries, family literacy initiatives, and outreach to senior citizens, and to supplement the ongoing services of the Library for Accessible Books and Media.