Contact Name
Ms. Wendy Cornelisen
Contact Title
State Librarian
State Library Address

Oregon State Library
250 Winter Street, N.E.
Salem, OR 97310-3950
United States

Contact Email Address
wendy.cornelisen@slo.oregon.gov
Grants to State Programs

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
    YearAllotment Value
    2019 $2,292,818.00
    2020 $2,401,036.00
    2021 $2,438,090.00
    2022 $2,420,826.00
    2023 $2,619,286.00
    5 Year Plan Text

    Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.

    5 year plan
    Attachment Size
    oregon5yearplan.pdf 482.72 KB
    5 Year Evaluation Text

    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.

    5 year evaluation
    Attachment Size
    oregon5yearevaluation.pdf 3.35 MB
    Wendy Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian, State Library of Oregon

    "The State Library of Oregon provides leadership and resources for the people of Oregon to have access to the resources they need to foster lifelong learning. The IMLS Grants to States Program supports access to information and library services statewide by funding projects and activities at the both state and local level. Through collaborative projects and statewide contracts, this funding works to improve library services and outreach for underserved communities and build resilient libraries across the state of Oregon." 

    -Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian, State Library of Oregon 

    Project Examples

    technology van serves as a mobile hotspot equipped with laptops and tablets.

    Tech Connect Van to Address COVID-19 Recovery
    The Jackson County Library District used their non-competitive CARES Act subgrant to purchase a technology van that serves as a mobile hotspot equipped with laptops and tablets. The van travels around the community providing internet access, digital literacy programs for seniors, work readiness workshops for job seekers, and general library instruction for patrons of all ages. The van also serves as a free lunch site at area schools during the summer. During the project period when the pandemic had led to reduced library hours, the van logged 850 interactions with members of the public. This was particularly important for areas hit hard by COVID and wildfires, with families working to get back on their feet. Even after the project period, the van continued to be in operation and serving its community. 
    IMLS Funds: $88,497

    Linn-Benton Community Literacy Partnership logo

    Linn-Benton Community Literacy Partnership
    Building upon earlier success in providing tutoring for Linn County residents with low literacy in English, the Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) developed services for residents with low literacy in Spanish and expanded to Benton County. During the project period, the library provided 724.25 hours of adult literacy tutoring, established 18 designated tutoring spaces, and trained 50 tutors, five of which became bilingual adult literacy tutors able to help Spanish-speaking students with literacy skills. The program also developed an online presence and a bilingual website. Through its efforts, LBCC created a foundation for sustainable volunteer recruitment and training, and enabled learner-participants to measurably improve literacy skills to a level where they can participate in GED preparation courses, English language acquisition courses, and community college credentialing coursework to increase work skills and self-sufficiency. 
    IMLS Funds: $85,628.08 

    Northwest Digital Heritage logo

    Northwest Digital Heritage
    The State Library of Oregon partnered with the Washington State Library and the Oregon Heritage Commission to launch  Northwest Digital Heritage (NWDH) (https://www.northwestdigitalheritage.org). NWDH leverages existing infrastructure and best practices from the Washington Rural Heritage project to help Oregon-based libraries, museums, and cultural heritage organizations build and share their local digital collections. NWDH also operates as a service hub of the Digital Public Library of America, which brings these unique Northwest collections to a wider audience. 
    IMLS Funds: $60,499.25 

    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: Oregon libraries break down systemic barriers.  

    • Projects include:  
      • Access for the underserved  
      • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Antiracism (EDIA)    
      • Tribal support  

    Goal 2: Oregon libraries close the digital divide.  

    • Projects include: 
      • Connectivity and technology   
      • Digital equity   
      • Heritage collections   

    Goal 3: Oregon libraries support students, youth, and lifelong learners. 

    • Projects include:  
      • Information literacy and education   
      • Youth services   
      • Lifelong library users   

    Goal 4: Oregon libraries build relationships to foster community.  

    • Projects include:  
      • Library data and stories   
      • Library consulting services for staff  
      • Library partnerships   

    Goal 5: Oregon libraries have the training and resources they need.  

    • Projects include:  
      • Continuing education for library workers  
      • Statewide core resources   
      • Library standards and practices  

    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.