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State Aid for Library Construction
The State Aid for Library Construction Program provides funding for public and association libraries in New York State to support building construction and renovation projects.
This is a competitive program rather than an outright grant, and requires a financial contribution from the participating library.
Eligibility
Any public or association library or public library system chartered by the Regents of the State of New York or established by an act of the New York State Legislature is eligible to apply for State Aid for Library Construction.
- appropriate for construction projects with a total cost of $5,000 or more
- projects must involve construction or capital improvements and cannot comprise repairs or maintenance. Landscaping is only permitted if it is required due to construction
How Funding Works
- Your library proposes a project and obtains cost estimates
- MHLS determines your award amount based on available funds and criteria
- The State provides a portion of the total cost (up to 50%, or up to 90% for qualifying economically disadvantaged communities)
- Your library must cover the remaining library share
Things to Know
- Not all project costs are eligible for reimbursement
- Some costs must be paid entirely by the library
- Funds are provided after awards are made official by the State
- First 90% of funds released approx. 8-10 weeks after State announcement
- Final 10% of funding is paid after the project is completed and closed out
Economically Disadvantaged Communities
Public or Association Libraries that serve economically disadvantaged communities can request to be considered for awards up to 90% of total project costs.
The MHLS Board of Trustees defines Economically Disadvantaged Communities as:
A political subdivision within which the percentage of the population living in poverty is equal to or greater than the New York State average as demonstrated by federal Census data or a chartered service area which is fully or partially within a “Potential Environmental Justice Area” as defined by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
To qualify, libraries need to submit proof in the form of:
- census data showing poverty figures for the chartered service area; OR
- documentation that a portion or entirety of the library’s chartered service area is located within a Potential Environmental Justice Area
Before You Apply
Libraries should be prepared to:
- Understand the general timeline
- Have a current board approved, prioritized, facility plan (required)
Find plan development resources, including a sample plan, in the MHLS Facilities Toolbox. - Define a clear construction-focused project
Review the MHLS Board Priorities for Funding construction aid applications - Obtain bids or cost estimates
- Demonstrate available funds to cover the library share
- Commit to completing the project within the program timeline.
Libraries have up to 6 years to complete their projects, visit State Aid for Library Construction | NYSL to learn more.
Application Requirements
- Project narrative (with detailed description, impact, and timeline)
- Budget and budget narrative
- Contractor bids or estimates
- Pre-project photos
- Environmental review forms (SEAF)
- Proof of available funds
- Required certifications and assurances
Some projects may require additional documentation (e.g., historic preservation review, lease agreements, or municipal approvals). Note: prevailing wage & Wicks Law may apply.
Application Tips
Common application pitfalls:
- No board approved facility plan, or the application project isn’t on the prioritized facility plan list
- Submitting vague or incomplete project narratives, or not matching narratives to MHLS’s priorities
- Providing bids that don’t clearly match the proposed work, or that lack sufficient detail
- Not paying attention to the application timeline.
- especially if State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approval is needed
- Describing work as “repair” or “maintenance”
Resources
- Full program details and guidelines: State Aid for Library Construction | NYSL
- Required forms & documentation: Preparing Your Application | NYSL
General Timeline
This program runs annually. Though the exact dates vary from year to year, the graphic below shows the general timeline for the application process.
Closing an Awarded Project
Visit Close Your Construction Project | NYSL to get the details.
Need Help?
Contact Laura Crisci, Library Sustainability Coordinator with questions.
Status Updates
Check your Library’s project number to see if a status update applies to your project:
DEADLINE ALERT
0386-21
June 30, 2026: By Law, all work must be completed & closing paperwork uploaded & approved by June 30. NO EXTENSIONS.
0386-25
Awards were officially announced December 23, 2025
0386-26
Being reviewed by DASNY, Keep an eye on your inbox for requests for changes/clarification
FY 2026-2027
Funding round has not opened yet.