The primary mission of the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) is to provide public library services to the residents of the District of Columbia. DCPL is also considered a state library administrative agency (SLAA). As the SLAA for the District of Columbia, DCPL is responsible for carrying out the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States program in the District.
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States Program
The Library Services and Technology Act is a component of The Museum and Library Services Act of 2010. The LSTA program is administered at the Federal level by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It is the only federal program exclusively for libraries. Under the requirements of the legislation, IMLS provides funds to state library administrative agencies using a population-based formula. (See the most current State Allotments.) IMLS has been working with the SLAAs to develop focal areas to guide states in use of their funding. These six focal areas are:
- Lifelong Learning
- Employment & Economic Development
- Human Services
- Civic Engagement
- Information Access
- Institutional Capacity
LSTA Eligibility
To be eligible to receive LSTA funds, each SLAA must submit a five-year plan that outlines how the state agency intends to use LSTA funds in accordance with the LSTA priorities. The five-year plan must include a needs assessment as well as goals, activities and processes that will be used to evaluate the state agencies' progress toward its goals. Learn more about DCPL's use of LSTA funds, our current five-year plan and prior plans and evaluations.
DCPL’s LSTA Plan 2023-2027 includes four goals that align with the focal areas identified by IMLS. These goals are:
GOAL 1: RECOVER TOGETHER: The library will strengthen existing services and develop new ones that support District recovery priorities, such as improving personal health, education, career prospects, and digital inclusion.
GOAL 2: WELCOME EVERYONE: All local residents will feel welcomed to an accessible library where their needs are centered.
GOAL 3: INVEST IN US: District residents will benefit from improved library services through enhanced investment in staff training and development and innovative collections, technology, and opportunities.
GOAL 4: STAY ROOTED: D.C. history and culture will be celebrated through community-centered programming, exhibits, and collections.
Previously Funded Projects
Search the IMLS database for DC’s LSTA-funded projects.