[Libs-Or] January 2026 State Library updates

[CORNELISEN Wendy * SLO]

As the saga of federal fiscal year 2026 funding continues, I wanted to share additional signs of hope for the small-but-mighty Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS):


  *   FY2026 LSTA Grant Award guidance has been issued.



  *   LSTA 2026 partial award letters were sent out this week. Oregon is not one of the states that requested these funds, but it is promising that there is enough confidence in the Congressional process for IMLS to send out such sums (equal to 25% of total awards) to the states that have requested them.



  *   Information on how to apply for 2026 discretionary IMLS grants, including the National Leadership Grants for Libraries<https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/national-leadership-grants-for-libraries> and Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program<https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/laura-bush-21st-century-librarian-program>, has been distributed.




The federal budget is still in the works, with the current Continuing Resolution expiring 1/31. There will likely be another CR that shifts the deadline once again; as mentioned previously, in recent years the State Library has received LSTA award letters in April.

At the state level, there will be another revenue forecast released on Wednesday, February 4. This will provide the budget numbers that the Oregon Legislature uses to create a balanced budget during the short legislative session that runs Feb 2-March 10. This will determine if there are any further cuts to the Ready to Read program for FY27.

If you're looking for inspiration in these hard times, the ALA Youth Media Awards will be live streamed at ala.unikron.com<https://ala.unikron.com/> and on the ALA Facebook page<https://www.facebook.com/AmericanLibraryAssociation> on Monday, January 26, starting at 8 am Pacific. This annual celebration of the most outstanding materials for children and teens includes the Newbery, Caldecott, Printz and Coretta Scott King Book awards.

Oregon is well represented in this year's selection committees! Please join me in celebrating the work and dedication shown by Pia Alliende of Redmond School District on the Sibert Informational Book Medal<http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/sibertmedal> committee, Roxanne M. Renteria of Deschutes Public Library on the Geisel Award<https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/geisel> committee, and the State Library's own Ericka Brunson-Rochette on the Newbery Medal<https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newbery> committee.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Wendy

Wendy Cornelisen (she, her, hers)
State Librarian
State Library of Oregon
wendy.cornelisen at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:wendy.cornelisen at slo.oregon.gov>
Office: 503-378-4367| Mobile 971-375-3992
www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>
[Title: State Library of Oregon]

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