Programs and Initiatives
Building Equity-Based Summers
Provides training and resources to help libraries present equity-based summer programs for their communities. LSTA-funded
Building Forward Library Infrastructure Program
Grants to address life-safety and critical maintenance needs of public library facilities throughout California. State-funded
California Civil Liberties Program
Supports the creation and dissemination of educational and public awareness resources about the history and lessons of civil rights violations or civil liberties injustices carried out against communities or populations. State-funded
California Libraries Learn (CALL)
In person and virtual continuing education and training opportunities including webinars, courses, workshops, conferences, and self-paced learning. LSTA-funded
California Library Literacy Services
Helps literacy programs in California’s public libraries change the lives of nearly 16,000 Californians every year. They help adults learn to read and write and achieve their goals and aspirations. State and LSTA-funded
California Revealed
A statewide project to help public libraries, archives, museums, historical societies, and other heritage groups digitize, preserve, and provide online access to primary source materials documenting the state’s history, art and cultures. LSTA-funded
Career Online High School
Scholarships for patrons to earn an accredited high school diploma through their public library. State-funded
Catalyst: Library Leadership
A statewide program providing leadership development opportunities for library staff, including leadership cohorts, short-format workshops, and on-line and in person training. LSTA-funded
Community-Centered Libraries
Training and tools for public library staff to help broaden their data-driven planning and decision-making centered on community impact. LSTA-funded
Community Impact Grants
Grants to strengthen the ability of California libraries to design equitable programs and services in collaboration with their local communities. LSTA-funded
eBooks for All California
The California State Library supports a provider agnostic eBook and eReading platform for all California public libraries. LSTA-funded
Ethnic Media Grant Project
Grants to ethnic media outlets and organizations serving communities that are historically vulnerable to hate incidents and hate crimes. State-funded
Get Involved
Training, networking, and resources to help libraries engage skilled volunteers and build effective volunteer programs. LSTA-funded
High-Speed Broadband for California’s Libraries
A statewide program that offers high-speed broadband to all California public libraries through low-cost connections to CENIC, grants for network equipment and circuit connection costs, and related programs to support and expand connectivity. State-funded
Inspiration Grants
Grants available outside the typical LSTA award cycle that empower library staff to react to “a-ha moments” and carry out innovative projects mid-year. LSTA-funded
LGBTQ+ Preservation & Accessibility
Projects around the state regarding the preservation of the LGBTQ+ movement, culture, experience and/or history in California. State-funded
Lunch at the Library
A program to help public libraries provide children and teens with free meals and learning and enrichment programs during the summer. State-funded
Parks Pass Program
The California State Library Parks Pass program distributes day-use vehicle State Parks passes for circulation to all public libraries in California, and supports complementary programming and outreach with grants and technical assistance. State-funded
Peer Review
Apply to join the Peer Review volunteer team for the California State Library!
Play for All
Grants to help California libraries create welcoming family play spaces and offer meaningful play programs for young children. LSTA-funded
Public Library Staff Education Program
A tuition reimbursement program for California public library staff enrolled in an accredited MLIS degree course. LSTA-funded
Ready or Not
A cultural heritage disaster preparedness project providing consultation for California organizations stewarding cultural resources. State-funded
Shared Vision and Stronger Together
Grants and support to libraries to implement early learning and out-of-school-time programs and to improve library access for their communities. State-funded
Student Success Cards for All
Student Success cards give students access to books and online resources from their public library, free of charge, through partnerships with local school districts.
Sustainable California Libraries
Sustainable California Libraries grants fund climate and sustainability programming for all ages. LSTA-funded
Teens Succeed
Grants to help California libraries create internships that develop the workforce readiness and social-emotional skills of California teens. LSTA-funded
Zip Books
Enables libraries to purchase items requested by cardholders, but not currently in the collection, and ship them directly to patrons. State-funded