Public Library Assistance Grants
Forecasted
Public Library Assistance Grants support Alaska’s public and combined public-school libraries with materials, online services, staffing, and daily operating costs to sustain community library services.
Funder: Alaska State Library, Archives & Museums
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $7,000 per public library outlet per fiscal year, with an equal local match
Summary: Annual, noncompetitive grants support Alaska public libraries’ materials, staffing, and daily operations.
Key Information: Libraries must provide free community-wide services and meet minimum opening-hour, staffing, and reporting requirements.
Description
The Alaska State Library administers Public Library Assistance (PLA) Grants using State of Alaska funds. This annual, noncompetitive program supports Alaska public libraries and combined public-school libraries with the practical costs of maintaining community library services. Funding depends on available state resources.
The grants support circulating collections, interlibrary loans, reference services, and children’s programs. A required portion of library spending goes toward materials and online services, while grant funds may also support staff pay and other daily operating costs. The program operates under Alaska’s library assistance statutes and regulations, which establish service standards, local matching requirements, and financial accountability requirements.
