New Jersey State Library, an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University
P.O. Box 520
Trenton, NJ 08625-0520
United States
The Grants to States Program
The Grants to States Program is the largest grant program run by IMLS; it provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) using a population-based formula set by the law. SLAAs determine goals and objectives for the funds in their statutorily required five-year plan (see below). For more information, see the Grants to States program overview.
Allotments
| Year | Allotment Value |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4,176,749.00 |
| 2021 | $4,193,381.00 |
| 2022 | $4,312,855.00 |
| 2023 | $4,536,994.00 |
| 2024 | $4,506,420.00 |
5 Year Plan
Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| newjersey5yearplan.pdf | 2.61 MB |
5 Year Evaluation
At the end of a 5-year period, each state reports their results in achieving goals and objectives projected in their 5-Year Plan. View all states' evaluations.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| newjersey5yearevaluation.pdf | 3.24 MB |
New Jersey’s libraries are vital community partners in so many aspects of life – from workforce development to education to closing the digital divide. I am pleased to be able to support their work through the New Jersey State Library.”
--Jennifer R. Nelson, State Librarian
Project Examples
NJSL Talking Book and Braille Center
The New Jersey State Library‘s Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC) provided direct library services to New Jersey’s print-disabled population. During the project period, TBBC was one of four regional libraries selected for a pilot to evaluate the capabilities of an electronic Braille reader. eBraillers fit into the palm of the hand and enable a patron to download books and magazines from BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) as well as textbooks from Benetech’s Bookshare service on demand. Throughout the pandemic, TBBC offered offsite access to its integrated library system, which allowed all patron services to continue without disruption. By working collaboratively with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled and the regional libraries of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, TBBC continued duplicating audiobooks during the extended time frame.
IMLS Funds: $1,237,055
Pandemic Response
The New Jersey State Library (NJSL) purchased software to help libraries continue offering services to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. These included meeting platforms, a tracking service to promote reading, e-books platform support, curbside pick-up, and remote desktop access. NJSL also enhanced existing connectivity with a combination of increased bandwidth and internet speeds, as well as devices to help local libraries expand services and a collection of 3,400 e-books for statewide use. NJSL held a training session for public library staff about increased safety concerns during the pandemic, in which 219 staff learned the best and safest ways to engage with users. Finally, NJSL offered mini grants to 27 libraries that extended library services, provided increased access to technology and the internet, bolstered Wi-Fi connectivity, provided digital literacy, and purchased equipment, books, and devices.
IMLS Funds: $77,491
JerseyConnect Statewide Technology Program
JerseyConnect, an in-house program that brings technology services and infrastructure to public libraries across the state, helped bridge the digital divide by providing low-cost internet access and related services to public libraries. The program positioned libraries to take advantage of new and emerging technologies while enjoying reliable core internet connectivity. The model is designed for maximum flexibility, scalability, and resiliency, with most JerseyConnect services independent of a direct connection to the network. Free services available to all New Jersey libraries included web hosting with statistics, full-service email hosting and management, email spam and virus filtering regardless of email host, cloud storage, domain name hosting, Wi-Fi management, and consultation on technology projects.
IMLS Funds: $686,056
Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.
Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.
Five-Year Plan Highlights
Goal 1: Facilitate great end-to-end experiences with LSTA programs.
- Projects include:
- Electronic resources
- Talking Book and Braille Center
- JerseyCat interlibrary loan program
Goal 2: Provide key value-add resources and process support.
- Projects include:
- Statewide LSTA marketing strategies
- JerseyConnect (hands-on technology support and consultation)
Goal 3: Create opportunities to customize and innovate at the local level.
- Projects include:
- Mini grants to libraries
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) audit and tools
IMLS Data Collection
State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool.
Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.