eBooks for All California Collection Development Grant Opportunity

The LSTA eBooks for All California Grants, administered by the California State Library, provides funding to public libraries to expand the state’s shared collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks. Accessible through the Palace app, this collection is designed to serve the diverse recreational and informational reading needs of California’s communities. The initiative supports equitable resource-sharing, enabling libraries to offer free digital materials to residents of all ages, even those without library cards. Eligible applicants include public libraries and library consortiums that are part of the eBooks for All project. Libraries not yet enrolled can contact ebooksforall@library.ca.gov to join. Grant funds must be used exclusively to purchase digital materials within the Palace Marketplace, and these materials must be accessible to all participating libraries statewide. Applicants are required to connect with underserved communities, participate in peer collaboration meetings to share best practices, and comply with federal and state regulations, including the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The grant program requires a 25% matching contribution, which may come from non-federal sources such as CLSA funds. While grant funds can only be used for eBook licenses expiring by June 30, 2026, matching funds may be used to purchase perpetual licenses. Material selection should align with the local library’s collection development policies, ensuring relevance and inclusivity for their communities. The grant aligns with Goal 4 of the California Library Services and Technology Act Investment Plan 2023–2027, emphasizing equitable access to information and services. The application timeline begins on January 8, 2025, with an information session on January 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The application deadline is March 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM, with project awards announced in May 2025. The grant period runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Priority is given to libraries serving high-poverty areas, those with low local income per capita, and libraries that have not received LSTA funding in the past five years. Applications must be submitted online through the California State Library’s grant application portal. Applicants are encouraged to review the LSTA Application Guide thoroughly before applying. For questions, libraries can email LSTAgrants@library.ca.gov. This grant program provides a valuable opportunity for libraries to expand digital access and foster equitable resource-sharing across California’s diverse communities.