Funding Sources
The New Jersey State Library (NJSL) receives annual funding from the State of New Jersey to fund its operations and the Library Network and from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) to fund services.
State Appropriations
Monies granted by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor include annual appropriations and one-time funding for special projects. The New Jersey Budget is typically adopted by June 30 of each year, and funding is available for spending July 1 – June 30 of the following year.
Direct State Service
Through an annual Direct State Service appropriation, NJSL provides for purchasing, preparing, housing, and circulating books, periodicals and other library materials in both print and electronic formats, and supplies information and consultative services to the three branches of State government and to public, school, academic and special libraries (N.J.S.A.18A:73-26 et seq.).
Library Network Aid
The New Jersey Library Network Law (N.J.S.A.18A:73-35a et seq.) provides funding for statewide and regionally supplied cooperative library services to individual residents of New Jersey and academic, institutional, public, school and special libraries.
Library Construction Bond Act
A one-time $125 million dollar bond act is providing funding for 75 library construction projects across the state, resulting in buildings that are more accessible, energy efficient and attractive.
Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Funding
An annual Grants to States program allocation provides essential funding for statewide electronic resources, Jersey Connect and the New Jersey Talking Book and Braille Center.
Use of the Grants to States funds is guided by an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) approved Five Year Plan and the Plan is evaluated every five years.
Periodic LSTA discretionary grants are also applied for and received by NJSL, including the 2023 National Leadership Grant: Teaching Information Literacy.
For more information on the LSTA, click here.
LSTA Five-Year Plan
- New Jersey State Library Library Services and Technology Act 2023-2027 Strategic Plan (PDF)
- NJSL 2018-2022 Five-Year Evaluation Report (PDF)
- New Jersey State Library Library Services and Technology Act Five Year Plan 2018-2022 (PDF)
- New Jersey State Library Library Services and Technology Act Five Year Plan 2013-2017 (PDF)
- LSTA five-year plan evaluation 2013-2017 (PDF)
- New Jersey State Library Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Five-Year Plan 2007-2012 (Word)
- LSTA five-year plan evaluation 2008-2012 (PDF)
Other Sources of Funding
NJSL may apply for and receive grants from other federal or state government entities, foundations or corporate giving programs. The Tichler Fund is an endowment managed by the New Jersey State Library that provides funding for small scale projects benefitting small libraries in New Jersey.
The Talking Book and Braille Center receives generous gifts from library patrons and their families, and the New Jersey Friends of the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
In 2023, NJSL received a Capital Projects Fund grant from the U.S. Treasury Department through the NJ Department of Community Affairs, Community Center Digital Connect.