Workshop location has changed for the 2026 Conservation/Preservation Ohio LSTA Grant
mars...@library.ohio.gov
2026 Conservation/Preservation LSTA Grant
Required Workshop May 19, 2026
Applications Due August 23, 2026
Contract period for each awarded project will run:
November 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027
The State Library of Ohio, in partnership with the Ohio Preservation Council (OPC) and the American 250-Ohio Commission is pleased to announce the availability of federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds of up to $4,999 for libraries to conserve a single item or preserve a small, discrete group of items within their collections. The item(s) selected for conservation/preservation should be unique, valuable (culturally or monetarily), and as a cultural artifact speak to the mission and values of the applying institution. Additionally, as a cultural artifact or collection it should reflect some element of the historic and artistic record of Ohio. This is in accordance with goals outlined in The State Library of Ohio’s Five Year LSTA Plan and State Library's support of the America 250-Ohio Commission’s efforts. All analog formats, including book and paper, object, and artwork are appropriate.
Under this special program, prospective applicants must attend the workshop on May 19, 2026, or submit the opt-out form indicating they attended the May 2025 workshop by May 19th, to submit a grant application. This workshop will prepare applying institutions for submitting a successful application. By attending the workshop, prospective applicants will gain knowledge of the criteria for selecting materials for conservation/preservation, basic evaluation considerations, finding a conservator, working with conservators, contracts and insurance, and treatment documentation.
Ohio LSTA funding for the Conservation & Preservation Grant is from the independent federal agency Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) via their Grants to States program.
Workshop
Location: Columbus Metropolitan Library Karl Road Branch
Registration for the workshop is now open and closes when the maximum capacity of 50 participants has been reached.
The State Library of Ohio is excited to announce that the workshop will be in-person at the State Library of Ohio. The workshop will include sessions provided by conservators. Participants may bring examples of the items they are considering conserving to have their questions answered by conservators. Registration for the workshop is limited to 50 participants and is expected to fill quickly. Each institution may send up to two participants to the workshop.
Timeline and Grant Requirements
One grant application per institution will be considered for funding.
The grant application and instructions on how to apply will be made available on the State Library’s website after the May 19th workshop.
- Applications will be accepted between May 19th and August 23rd, 2026.
- Grant applications will be reviewed by a team of State Library staff and Ohio Preservation Council members.
- Successful grant applicants will be notified in early October 2026.
- Grant projects will start November 1 st, 2026 and must be completed by August 31 st, 2027.
Questions?
For Ohio LSTA grant-related questions, contact Library Consultant Jeff Regensburger via
LS...@library.ohio.gov
See examples of how Ohio libraries have used federal dollars awarded as Ohio LSTA grants.
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Marsha McDevitt-Stredney
Director, Marketing & Communications
State Library of Ohio
274 E. 1st Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201
Tel: 614.644.6875