Public library grants

Last updated:  18 September 2024

The State Library has managed a public library grants program since 1980-81. The program provides NSW councils with the opportunity to apply for additional funds for projects to improve library services for the community. 

2024-25 Public Library Infrastructure Grants

Public Library Infrastructure Grants are for projects that will assist NSW councils to improve public library infrastructure, including buildings and information technology systems. 

The 2024-25 Public Library Infrastructure Grants are now open

Applications must be completed in Smartygrants

Grants will close at 5pm on Monday 28 October.  

Please read the 2024-25 guidelines before starting your application. The guidelines can also be downloaded below:

Contact a PLS consultant if you have any questions.

Further information

Watch the recording of the Public Library Infrastucture Grants online information session via Zoom, recorded on 18 September 2024. Cameron Morley gives an overview of the grants, with a focus on the application process, assessment criteria and eligible projects.

2023-24 grant recipients

The State Government has announced $6 million in funding for public libraries across the State as part of the Public Library Infrastructure Grant program.

NSW Minister for the Arts the Hon John Graham MLC noted that 28 local councils will receive grants for projects this year to extend and improve public library buildings, spaces and information technology for NSW communities. 

Grant recipients
 CouncilProject titleRecommended
1Ballina ShireBallina Library Boost: creating a welcoming and versatile community place$198,376
2Bellingen ShireRestructure our Past, Renew our Future$120,289
3Blacktown CityBlacktown City Libraries Memory Room: Working with local Dementia and aged organisations to create special space and programs$74,000
4Bogan ShireBogan Shire Library Refurbishment$180,580
5CabonneCanowindra Library Refurbishment$475,000
6Campbelltown CityHistory at your fingertips$53,284
7Central CoastTuggerah Library Refurbishment$194,584
8Dubbo RegionalSpaces to study, read and work - MRL Dubbo & Wellington Libraries$90,260
9Forbes ShireForbes Shire Library Energy Upgrades & IT Improvements$150,000
10Greater HumeCulcairn Library – Refresh, And Revitalise For The Future$192,464
11Hawkesbury CityHawkesbury Central Library: New Technology Hub$200,000
12Ku-ring-gaiGordon Library Refurbishment Stage Two$312,315
13Leeton ShireRevamp and Renew: Library Transformation Project $57,780
14Moree Plains ShireMoree Community Library Revitalisation Grant$150,000
15MosmanBarry O'Keefe Library Study Area Refresh$183,305
16Murray RiverMathoura Library Accessibility and Functionality Enhancement$200,000
17Port Macquarie HastingsRefresh and Research: A new look for Wauchope Library$140,000
18Port StephensTomaree Library Air-conditioning Upgrade$141,400
19Queanbeyan-Palerang RegionalQueanbeyan-Palerang Heritage Centre Digital Transformation Project$270,063
20Ryde, City ofWest Ryde Library Refurbishment, Revitalisation and Reclaimed Spaces for Community$480,000
21SingletonSingleton Library's 20th Birthday Refresh$190,613
22Tamworth RegionalAfter Hours Access$191,520
23Tamworth RegionalRegional Digitization Van$199,716
24Tweed ShireConnect Collaborate Chill - Bringing the Outside in and the Inside Out - Tweed Heads Library Courtyard and Children's Area Transformation Project$179,686
25WaverleyWaverley Library Refurbishment$179,011
26Wingecarribee ShireLibrary between the lanes - Mobile Library Fit-out$207,104
27Wollondilly ShireAdaptive Mobile Library$332,272
28Wollongong CitySaving Illawarra Mercury (IM) negatives from vinegar syndrome by digitising them and creating online access to IM negative indexes.$156,378
29Yass ValleyYass Library part of Crago Mill precinct$500,000
 TOTAL $6,000,000

Grant projects and recipients are published in the State Library Annual Report

Grant reporting and acquittals

Public Library Infrastructure Grant recipients are required to provide the State Library with reports outlining the progress and acquittal of their grant project.  

Progress report

A progress report is to be completed by December of the year grant funding is provided. In this form recipients outline the tasks already completed and funds spent as well as tasks yet to be done and funds to be spent. The report needs to include an expected completion date.

A progress report is required for all grant projects.

Variations and extensions

Grant projects must conform to the description in the grant application and any additional requirements as detailed in the grant notification letter. If there are significant changes or delays to a grant project recipients need to apply for a variation or extension. Appropriate supporting documents are to be provided. 

Variations and extensions are not required for all grant projects. These will be completed if needed.

Acquittal reports

Recipients must complete financial and performance reports to acquit their grant project.  

The financial reports includes a summary of income and expenses, as well as a declaration that the money has been spent as outlined in the grant application and any agreed variations.

A financial acquittal is required for all grant projects.

The final performance report gives a description of the project tasks, outcomes and evaluation. The report needs to include supporting documentation such as evaluation reports, customer feedback, photographs and media/social media articles. 

A final performance report is required for all grant projects.

Reporting forms 2023-24 round

Where to find reporting and acquittal forms  

  • The forms will be added to the grant submission in Smartygrants 
  • The recipient will receive an email directly from Smartygrants when each form has been added 
  • This email will tell the recipient how to get into the form   

Extension 

If you require an extension to your project completion date you will need to complete a request for extension form in Smartygrants. Please contact your State Library Consultant to arrange for the form to be made available in Smartygrants.

Project variation

If you are requesting approval of changes to the budget or project activities you will need to complete a variation application in Smartygrants. Please contact your State Library Consultant to arrange for the form to be made available in Smartygrants.

Progress report

The progress report is to be filled out by 30 December of the year funds are granted. This report is to be completed in Smartygrants. It will be available in Smartygrants by late November.

Final performance report

The final performance report is to be filled out once the project is complete. This report is to be completed in Smartygrants. It will be available when your grant project is close to completion.

Financial acquittal

The financial acquittal form is to be filled out once the project is complete. The form is to be completed in Smartygrants. t will be available when your grant project is close to completion.

Reporting forms 2022-23 round and previous years

Where to find reporting and acquittal forms  

  • The forms will be added to your grant submission in Smartygrants 
  • The recipient will receive an email directly from Smartygrants when each form has been added 
  • This email will tell the recipient how to get into the form    

Extension 

A request for an extension can be emailed to your . The email must include the reasons for the extension and a revised timetable for implementation.  

Project variation

A request for a variation can be emailed to your State Library Consultant. The email must include the reasons for the variation request, and a revised budget and timetable for implementation and completion.  

Progress report

The progress report is to be filled out by 30 December of the year funds are granted. This report is to be completed in Smartygrants. It will be available in Smartygrants by late November.

Final performance report

The final performance report is to be filled out once the project is complete. This report is to be completed in Smartygrants. It will be available when your grant project is close to completion.

Financial acquittal

The financial acquittal form is to be filled out once the project is complete. The form is to be completed in Smartygrants. The financial acquittal needs to be signed before submission. Complete the details of the form in Smartygrants, download a PDF of the form to be signed by the Library Manager and General Manager. Scan a copy of the completed, signed form and attach the copy so that you can submit the acquittal.

Statement of income and expenditure

The statement of income and expenditure is to be filled out once the project is complete. The form is to be completed in Smartygrants. The statement needs to be signed before submission. Complete the details of the form in Smartygrants, download a PDF of the form to be signed by the Library Manager and General Manager. Scan a copy of the completed, signed form and attach the copy so that you can submit the statement.

 

Need assistance?

Please contact a PLS consultant if you are ready to complete a reporting form that is not in Smartygrants, or if you need the contact person for a grant application to be changed in Smartygrants.

Grant guidelines archive

Public Library Grants Guidelines are available below for the reference of councils that are yet to acquit funded projects. 

Grant guidelines 2016-17 to 2023-24