State Library of North Carolina
4640 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4640
United States
The Grants to States Program
The Grants to States Program is the largest grant program run by IMLS; it provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) using a population-based formula set by the law. SLAAs determine goals and objectives for the funds in their statutorily required five-year plan (see below). For more information, see the Grants to States program overview.
Allotments
| Year | Allotment Value |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4,788,098.00 |
| 2021 | $4,843,343.00 |
| 2022 | $4,743,713.00 |
| 2023 | $5,085,881.00 |
| 2024 | $5,089,381.00 |
5 Year Plan
Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| northcarolina5yearplan.pdf | 808.08 KB |
5 Year Evaluation
At the end of a 5-year period, each state reports their results in achieving goals and objectives projected in their 5-Year Plan. View all states' evaluations.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| northcarolina5yearevaluation.pdf | 904.45 KB |
“The numerous, varied communities across North Carolina receive great value and benefit from projects funded through Library Services and Technology Act grants. These projects strengthen our libraries and communities by supporting library initiatives addressing achievement gaps, digital inclusion and equity, improved access to programs and resources, economic development, health and wellness, and more.”
-Michelle Underhill, State Librarian, State Library of North Carolina
Project Examples
Community Navigator
Catawba County Library partnered with Appalachian State University to host interns pursuing their master’s in social work. As part of their work at the library, they interviewed high-need patrons, assessed their most immediate needs, and referred them to community resources. In addition to helping people navigate services, the interns provided mental health first aid and facilitated training for library staff including trauma informed care and self-care. This project strengthened the library’s capacity to connect people to essential resources and developed an internal website to empower library staff to continue providing similar services. It expanded social service assistance in the community and met patrons in need where they were without judgment or stigma.
IMLS Funds: $26,871.07
Migrant Education Program Laptops
The East Carolina University (ECU) Laupus Library worked with ECU’s Department of Health Education and Promotion, NC Department of Public Instruction, and NC Migrant Education Program (MEP) to identify last-mile technology gaps for high school students of migrant farmworker families in four Eastern NC counties. Using CARES Act stimulus funds, the library purchased 100 laptops with bags and headphones, and distributed them through MEP representatives in Greene, Lenoir, Wayne, and Pitt Counties. Funds also supported a customized offline library, including COVID-19 and other health related information from WiderNet. As a final project component, Laupus librarians created and delivered instruction related to health information seeking skills for MEP and NC teachers who work with migrant students in the four counties.
IMLS Funds: $74,995.50
Mobile Makerspace
Onslow County Public Library created four mobile makerspaces to support programming at its branch libraries. They included components for 3D printing, sewing and embroidery, circuits, and virtual reality. Four of the branches hosted related programs for elementary students, teens, and adults under the banner of Makerspace Monday. Participants explored the home of Anne Frank through virtual reality, created 3D printed keychains, sewed and monogrammed pillowcases, and created circuits with lights and switches. The library received positive feedback highlighting the opportunity to use machines that would be otherwise unavailable. The project helped introduce and develop life skills in multiple areas.
IMLS Funds: $9,604.89
Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.
Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.
Five-Year Plan Highlights
Goal 1: Community Engagement: North Carolina libraries will provide inclusive, user-focused services that enable community-wide growth and transformation.
- Projects include:
- Subgrants supporting user-focused services
Goal 2: Equitable Access: North Carolinians will have equitable access to information and technology needed to learn, live, govern, and work.
- Projects include:
- NC Cardinal, a consortium of public libraries
- #EverythingNC (access to digitized materials)
- Subgrants supporting access to information and technology
Goal 3: Responsive Organizations: North Carolina will libraries be places that all people find welcoming and accessible through sustainable organizational practices focused on inclusion, development, and community responsiveness.
- Projects include:
- Continuing Education
- New director orientation
- State Library of North Carolina (SLNC) professional development
- Training for library staff
- 21st Century Libraries (access to web and calendaring software)
- Operational technologies
IMLS Data Collection
State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool.
Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.