Tennessee State Library and Archives
1001 Rep. John Lewis Way North
Nashville, TN 37219
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 | $3,395,186.00 |
| 2021 | $3,438,619.00 |
| 2022 | $3,422,164.00 |
| 2023 | $3,692,869.00 |
| 2024 | $3,689,581.00 |
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 |
|---|---|
| tennessee5yearplan.pdf | 604.43 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 |
|---|---|
| tennessee5yearevaluation.pdf | 737.08 KB |
“The Tennessee State Library & Archives has a tradition of providing great library and archival services to the people of Tennessee. Through our LSTA funded programs and Regional Library services, we strive to make libraries better, offer developmental opportunities for Tennessee librarians and trustees, and offer robust collection resources to all Tennesseans.”
--Jamie Ritter, State Librarian and Archivist, Tennessee State Library and Archives
Project Examples
Library for Accessible Books and Media
Tennessee’s Library for Accessible Books and Media (LABM) Program improved the quality of life for patrons with a physical disability that prevents them from reading standard print. LABM provided library materials in Braille, large print, and audio formats directly to the state's print-disabled patrons. During the project period, a reader advisor helped patrons of all ages select materials of interest, and LABM purchased over 500 large print titles and three desktop computers with large-type keyboards and adaptive mice. In addition to being available for general patron use, these devices will facilitate individualized training for those learning to use adaptive computing tools.
IMLS Funds: $63,922.61
Regional E-book and Audiobook Download System (READS)
Tennessee State Library and Archives provided access to a digital collection of e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and streaming video for the state’s residents. The READS program helped meet strong public demand for library materials 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It enabled patrons to access materials regardless of work schedules or distance from a physical library. The program also supported libraries in transitioning to a digital collection by providing a flexible platform that allowed them to purchase new content with local funding. During the project period, 194,239 card holders borrowed over five million items from READS.
IMLS Funds: $814,730.15
Continuing Education
Tennessee State Library and Archives provided statewide training for library staff on a variety of subjects and technology trends through in-person and virtual sessions. The training enabled library staff to provide programs and services that met the greatest needs in their communities. Topics covered included hands-on STEM training, children’s services, data collection, trustee certification, and public library management. The state library also managed the Tennessee Trustee Certification Program, resulting in informed library board members who were more engaged with the library community.
IMLS Funds: $38,954.78
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: All Tennessee residents will have the reading skills, information resources, and library services needed to succeed in school, at work, and in their daily lives.
- Projects include:
- Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL)
- Regional eBook and Audiobook Download System (R.E.A.D.S.)
- Public library materials
- Tennessee’s Library for Accessible Books and Media (LABM)
Goal 2: All Tennessee residents will be able to locate and access library and information resources that are relevant to their lives through the provision of traditional reading materials, non-print media, online and downloadable resources, and electronic networks.
- Projects include:
- Statewide online catalog
- National interlibrary loan requests that cannot be filled statewide
Goal 3: All Tennessee residents will benefit from enhanced library and information services because library staff members have the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to offer high-quality 21st century library services.
- Projects include:
- Public Library IT Support program
- Technology grants to public libraries
- Information technology infrastructure
- Continuing education program for library staff
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.