Overview

As a recipient of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Leadership Grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives is proud to offer the Lead From Where You Are training to public library staff across the Commonwealth. 

Foundational Leadership Training Cohort, a key component of the Lead From Where You Are initiative, is designed for emerging library leaders seeking to build essential leadership skills. The cohort-based training provides over 15 hours of training in core leadership principles through interactive virtual and in-person sessions, mentorship opportunities, and practical applications. The program concludes with participants earning a Foundational Leadership Certificate. 

Timeline: Learning content and a timeline can be found in the Foundational Leadership Cohort Timeline. 

Eligibility: Employees of public libraries are eligible to apply for the Foundational Leadership Training Cohort.  

Application Opens:  5/12/2025

Application Closes:  6/16/2025 end of day 

 Please read program requirements located in the Foundational Leadership Cohort Guidelines before applying.  

Overview

This grant is made possible by KDLA’s funding from the Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Projects must meet the following LSTA goal as identified in the 2023-2027 LSTA 5-Year Plan. 

• Information Access: Support the information needs of all Kentuckians by providing access to resources and public records. 

This grant program is designed to support existing and new community-driven library initiatives in areas of website development and technology.  Applicants can request funding for projects that are in the planning and development stage beginning April 1, 2025. All project activities and funds must be spent by September 30, 2025. 

Grant Priorities

Priority will be given to Kentucky public libraries that 1) lack a website, 2) have outdated websites requiring redesigns to enhance Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility, and 3) need to improve website functionality to keep pace with advanced technology. 

Secondary priorities will focus on funding the purchase of technology such as servers, routers, hardware, software, desktops, laptops, learning assistive devices, and translation devices. 

Award Information

Libraries of all sizes are encouraged to apply. Recipients will receive funding up-front to provide seed money for their projects. 

Total Award Available: $50,000 

Award Amount: up to $5,000 

Eligibility 

Legally established public libraries in Kentucky that meet all the following requirements are eligible to apply.  

KDLA’s Public Library Determination

1. All applicants must have a UEI number and SAM.gov (System for Award Management) registration. Information on how to check the status or obtain a UEI number may be found at SAM.gov | Duns - Sam UEI

2. Have a library director who is properly certified by the Kentucky State Board for the Certification of Librarians; and

3. Be in good standing with the Department for Local Government. 

Timeline

• May 15 – June 15, 2025 - Applications Open. 
• July 1, 2025- Awards announced.  Projects may begin. 
• September 30, 2025 - Final progress report and receipts due.  All funds must be spent and grant activities completed. 

Please read the full grant guidelines before applying.  2025 Website Development and Technology Grant Guidelines.  

Overview: 

The 2025 Conferences Grant is made possible by funding from the Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This grant aligns with KDLA's five-year strategic plan to increase institutional capacity by providing funding for public library staff in Kentucky to participate in in-person job related conferences.  

Application Details 

• Applications are available from November 1, 2024, through August 30, 2025 or until funding is exhausted. 
• Libraries will submit one application per conference request

Award Information

Total Funding Available: $25,000

Award Amounts: KDLA will reimburse conference expenses for up to two staff members per library. Reimbursements are available UP TO the following amounts: 

• In-state: $1000 per person for a total of $2,000 per library
• Out-of-State Driving: $1500 per person for a total of $3,000 per library (covers conferences within driving distance of adjoining states such as OH, IN, IL, TN, or WV)
• Out-of-State Flying: $1800 per person for a total of $3,600 per library

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a legally established public library in Kentucky
• Have a current UEI number (check status at SAM.govSAM.gov | Duns - Sam UEI)
• Have a library director who is properly certified by the KY State Board for the Certification of Librarians; 
• If your organization is an SPGE, be in good standing with the Department for Local Records. 

Please read full guidelines before applying.  2025 Conferences Grant Guidelines

PURPOSE: Kentucky state law requires that public libraries in Kentucky be administered and staffed by personnel appropriately certified by the Kentucky State Board for the Certification of Librarians. The Certification Board believes that library staff must increase their skills and knowledge through continuing education in order to keep abreast of developments in the information age. Under KRS 171.303 – 171.306, the Certification Board is authorized to encourage library science education for public library staff by offering library science scholarships for the successful completion of classes from accredited or approved programs.

DEFINITIONS: For the purpose of this scholarship, the following terms shall mean: Appropriate Certification – Certification issued by the Kentucky State Board for the Certification of Librarians for a position under the guidelines specified in 725 KAR 2:060.  Employed - Full or part-time employment in a library that includes administration, collection development, technical services, public services, or support for public service areas, and excludes secretarial, custodial, groundskeeping, security, food service, driver (other than bookmobile/outreach vehicle), and messenger duties. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: In order to be eligible for the Library Science Tuition Scholarship, students must meet the following requirements: • Be employed by a Kentucky public library (full or part-time). • Hold at least a Temporary certificate at the time of application. • Study library science at an institute accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, or the appropriate regional postsecondary education program.   • Take graduate level courses from an ALA-accredited program (if applicable). • Earn at least a C final grade for undergraduate students. • Earn at least a B final grade for graduate students. • Maintain appropriate certification from the Kentucky State Board for the Certification of Librarians. 

DETERMINATION OF AWARD: Scholarships are awarded in the amounts of $750 to a student attending a 4-year university and $350 to a student attending a 2-year college, not to exceed $7,000 per semester. A committee composed of KDLA staff and a member of the State Board for the Certification of Librarians or a public library director will review applications. Applicants are scored based on pre-determined rubric values. The award is based on the total of those values.  In awarding scholarships, the following receive special consideration: 

• Directors working toward initial certification 
• Library staff working toward initial certification

COMPLETION OF APPLICATION: Adhering to the following instructions ensures that the applying student and the sponsoring library have successfully completed the application process.  Submitting an incomplete application will result in immediate disqualification.  

• The student must complete and submit the application with a letter of recommendation from the supervisor, library director, or board president. Submit the application by given deadline date.