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Space Utilization Grants

FY24 Space Utilization Grants Status

All allocated grant funding has been expended and the FY24 grants program is now closed.​​​

The State Library allocates federal funds to provide Iowa public libraries subgrants for consulting services on better utilization of the existing library space. These grants reimburse fees for professional advice from impartial consultants who provide guidance and recommendations to library directors, city officials and the community about use of existing space. The library space utilization grants have been funded by the State Library since FY94.

Grants of up to $3,000 will be awarded as funds are available. A library may only receive one library utilization grant.

Grant Timeline

The FY24 Space Utilization Grant application period will open on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023 in IowaGrants.gov. Up to six grants will be awarded to public libraries. The grant period will close Sunday, Mar. 31, 2024 or when six grants have been awarded. Grant projects must be completed by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2024.

Eligible and Ineligible Uses

Grants may be requested for the following consultation services:

  • Space Needs Assessment: Consultant will help make the best use of the current space in the library, and determine the area needed for the library's programs and services.
  • Building Program Review: Consultant will assist the library in writing and/or reviewing the library's building program statement.
  • ADA Compliance Evaluation and Planning: Consultant will advise on the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for libraries.

LSTA funds for library utilization consultation may NOT be used for the following services:

  • Architect or engineer services
  • Equipment, installation, or implementation of the plan
  • Library furnishings
  • Fundraising
  • Written summary of project activities or outcomes
  • Written evaluation of the impact of the project on customer service

Staff Contact

For more information or questions, contact Jay Peterson.

Application Process

1. Contact a library building consultant. 
Please note that only qualified building consultants with prior library building experience are required. The consultants listed below are willing to work with Iowa libraries on projects, but you may find other qualified consultants willing to do the work.

Denny Sharp A.I.A
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-491-6498
sharpocorvette@gmail.com

Shana L. Stuart, Ph.D., MLIS
Consultant, SLStuart Consulting
Director, Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project (CLIP)
Coralville, IA, 52241
(319) 321-9804
slstuartconsulting@gmail.com

2.  Negotiate fees and obtain a quote from the consultant. This must be done prior to submitting the grant application. The maximum grant award is $3,000. The local library may add money to the project if it exceeds $3,000.

3. Go to IowaGrants.gov and follow the instructions to create an account and complete the online grant application. Look for the application titled "FY24 – Library Space Utilization Grant."

Go to IowaGrants.gov

4. Receive notice of award and sign the grant agreement in IowaGrants.gov. The consultant may begin work ONLY after the library has been notified of an award and a grant agreement has been signed by the library AND the State Library.

5. Consultant completes work and invoices library. The consultant must invoice the library after work is completed. The library pays the consultant's fees before requesting reimbursement.

6. Library submits for reimbursement within IowaGrants.gov account. Submit the consultant's invoice and complete the evaluation in IowaGrants.gov. 

Note: Reimbursement will not be provided if the consultant's work begins before the State Library makes the award and the contract is signed.

5. Library receives check for the awarded grant amount.

IMLS LogoSpace Utilization Grants are supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of Iowa.

Additional Resources

Even if your library isn’t ready to apply for a space planning grant, or the work that you want to do is not covered by the grant, there are resources you can access to help with your library space needs. We have listed a few resources below that offer tools to start thinking about your library space and how to better utilize the existing square footage.

One of your best resources is your District Consultant. Your consultant has seen many different library layouts and can help brainstorm ideas and offer tips and tricks to freshen up a library. Contact them to discuss your space challenges and needs.

Public Library Space Needs Assessment 
from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

​​​​​​This assessment breaks down the areas needed in a public library. You can enter your library space numbers into their formulas and calculate the recommended needed space based on standard populations. It covers work space, reader sitting, collection space, meeting room space, and uncategorized spaces.

Library Space: A Planning Resource for Librarians 
from The Massachusetts Libraries Board of Library Commissioners and Sasaki Design firm

This free PDF eBook breaks down library space into color-coded zones. It also shows examples of how to think constructively about library space to provide great public service while allowing for efficient library operations. The design theory in the book gives examples of small to large libraries and has the advantage of having well designed graphical examples to help educate stakeholders and board members about your plans for library space.

Space Planning Guide and Worksheet 
from the Connecticut State Library

Using this guide and its accompanying worksheet, librarians and trustees can obtain a general estimate of their library's space needs and help initiate a larger facility planning process. The Division of Library Development updated this guide and worksheet in 2021.