State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), partners with libraries to achieve equity and excellence in our collective work for Minnesotans. Division staff are consultants who help libraries plan, develop and implement high-quality services that address community needs. State Library Services administers federal grant, state aid, and state grant programs that benefit all types of libraries.

We are pleased to make available our approved LSTA 2023-2027 Five-Year Plan. An overarching focus of the plan is to connect Minnesotans with information and resources through libraries, and we’re working with libraries and other partners to achieve our goals. The plan identifies areas for competitive grant-making and statewide initiatives. Contact State Library Services if you’d like more information about the plan.

Library Materials Challenges
Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 134.51 sets out requirements for publicly funded libraries in Minnesota regarding collection development policy and management. According to subdivision 5(d), the governing bodies of public libraries must report the results of content challenges or reconsideration requests to the commissioner of education. Use this form to provide the information required by statute at the conclusion of each challenge: Reporting Form for Library Materials Challenge.

Get Updates
State Library Services sends out grant and program updates through its e-newsletter. Subscribe to the State Library Services newsletter, and check out past newsletters in our newsletter archive.
 

• Digital Equity Act and You - Grant Opportunities for Libraries - 1/3/25
  
• Accessing Safe Library Webinars - 10/11/24
  
• Minnesota LSTA Five-Year Plan, 2023-2027 - 10/20/22
  
•  - 6/25/20
  
• Early Childhood Screening: A Webinar for Minnesota Librarians  - 1/7/20
  MDE Early Childhood Screening Coordinator, Margo Chresand, shares ways that public libraries can help increase Early Childhood Screening participation in Minnesota.
• Minnesota Public Library Trustee Handbook, rev. 2017 - 4/3/17
  This revised edition includes updated content from the prior handbook as well as the Library Trustee Manual template published by the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) in 2016.
•  - 1/15/16