West Virginia Library Commission
1900 Kanawha Blvd., East
Charleston, WV 25305-0620
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 | $1,477,637.00 |
| 2021 | $1,498,000.00 |
| 2022 | $1,505,646.00 |
| 2023 | $1,599,637.00 |
| 2024 | $1,668,036.00 |
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 |
|---|---|
| westvirginia5yearplan.pdf | 2.15 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 |
|---|---|
| westvirginia5yearevaluation.pdf | 4.14 MB |
“Communities turn to their Public Libraries as community centers that offer programing, materials, computer access to the internet for opportunities in careers, education, and resources. As circumstances change our libraries must be supported to meet the growing needs of all patrons. Grants to Libraries assist libraries develop new programs and resources to enable patrons reach their needs and goals as well as enjoy the powers of imagination through reading.”
- Donna Calvert, Library Section Director, West Virginia Library Commission
Project Examples
Library Capacity and Core Competencies
West Virginia Library Commission (WVLC) offered consulting services and training for the state’s library staff and board members. These capacity-building efforts highlighted best practices in library governance, management, service delivery, and pandemic response. In addition to training, WVLC library staff provided a total of 1,480 consultations with librarians statewide. They also created and continuously updated a COVID-19 guidance resource for librarians with information about reopening libraries and personnel issues. In conjunction with staff-led efforts, WVLC subscribed to online providers of library-related continuing educational opportunities. They offered a Public Library Certification Program through one of these platforms, with 44 West Virginia librarians enrolling in the first year.
IMLS Funds: $77,281.40
State Library Network
West Virginia’s State Library Network provided internet access and hardware/software support for 1,806 computers in 142 West Virginia public libraries. The West Virginia Library Commission worked with the West Virginia Office of Technology to ensure that all public libraries on the network had technical support. Among other areas, these services covered library operations software, network infrastructure and security, wiring, computing, and internet connectivity. During the project period, all 142 member libraries moved to a new broadband vendor, which ensured a minimum speed of 100 Mbps, with plans to bring them up to 500 Mbps. WVLC also facilitated a needed upgrade for the public library email and website server.
IMLS Funds: $704,772.79
Literacy Programs
Encouraging a love of reading for learning and pleasure is a core value for West Virginia libraries. The West Virginia Center for the Book, which is a Library Commission program, encouraged related activities by underwriting the Appalachian Heritage Writer-In-Residence Program, and by promoting literacy resources such as its circulating collection of book discussion kits, and materials related to Family Read Week. They also organized the annual “One Book, One West Virginia” statewide read featuring Marie Manilla's The Patron Saint of Ugly. As part of this effort, they offered citizens unlimited access to digital copies of the book and distributed materials to libraries to encourage community dialog.
IMLS Funds: $60,288.10
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: Expand Access to Information
- Projects include:
- Services to the blind and print disabled
- Expanded access to libraries' archival, unique, and audio-visual materials
- Databases targeted to academic and career success
- WVInfoDepot.org with statewide access to licensed periodicals and reference resources
- Annual summer reading and learning program support
- West Virginia Center for the Book
Goal 2: Facilitate Collaboration, Leadership, and Innovation in the Library Community
- Projects include:
- Subgrants to maintain the state’s integrated library systems
- Consortia cataloging support
- West Virginia Library Delivery interlibrary loan and courier service
- Continuing education for public library staff and trustees
- Technology skills for library staff
- E-Rate consulting services for affordable broadband in public libraries
- Library internet services for public libraries on the West Virginia Office of Technology network
- Library consultation services
- Library mentorship program
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.