The Library Technology Enhancement Grant

The Library Technology Enhancement Grant is made possible through LSTA funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Utah State Library Division. Libraries selected will receive one grant of up to $5000 to update essential library technology. 

Grant Timeline:

  • 2/13/2023 – Grant opens
  • 3/3/2023 – Grant closes
  • 3/10/2023 – Recipients notified, contracts sent
  • 3/24/2023 – Contracts due, Grant spending begins
  • 6/30/2023 – Grant spending ends
  • 7/5/2023 – Reimbursements and final report due

*Any funds spent outside of the project window (March 24 – June 30) are not eligible for this grant.

uslgrants.utah.gov (login is required)

Books Save Lives Grant

WNDB established the Books Save Lives Grant to provide up to $10,000 for school libraries to purchase diverse titles. WNDB will prioritize grants for schools located in areas most impacted by book bans and censorship. Find information by clicking on this link: https://diversebooks.org/programs/books-save-lives-grant/

Applications will open on February 8, 2023 and close at 11:59PM ET on February 28, 2023.

Apply for the 2023 Mathical Collection Development Awards!

Apply for the 2023 Mathical Book Prize! The deadline to respond is March 9. Winners will be announced by SLJ in late April. 

Eligibility:

Schools applying for the grants will need to document their Title I status. To be eligible for the collection development awards, schools must employ a full- or part-time librarian who meets state requirements for school library media certification and is currently employed as a media specialist, teacher librarian, or equivalent position.

Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

Steering Committee Members Needed

UELMA is excited to announce the Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Recognition. 

What: The Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature is a respected author and/or illustrator either born or living in Utah chosen by the UELMA steering committee whose creative work represents the aspirations, imaginations and stories of and for young people. Similar to the Library of Congress’s National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, the Utah Ambassador will be appointed to “raise [state] awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education, and the development and betterment of the lives of young people.” 

Why: Funded in part by a grant from the Utah State Library, the Utah Ambassador will travel statewide over the course of their term, showing children and teens that reading is a fundamental skill and vital part of their lives. Speaking to parents, caregivers, teachers, school and public librarians, local booksellers, administrators, political leaders—everyone invested in young people’s literacy, the Utah Ambassador will promote ways to better connect with children and teens through literature and help them love reading.

Action:  The UELMA Executives and Board are seeking volunteer applicants to join the Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Recognition Steering Committee. As a member of the ten-person steering committee, volunteers will meet virtually monthly or as needed to define the scope of the recognition and organize the work of the committee including selection, promotion and recognition of the appointee. If you are a current or retired licensed school library educator, school library paraprofessional, or public or academic children’s or teen librarian, please consider applying for a committee position by filling out the short application form linked below. Applications will be accepted through the end of day January 22nd.  Committee members will be notified of their selection in early February.

How:  Apply hereThe Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Recognition Steering Committee Application.

When:  Applications will be accepted through the end of day January 22nd .