Library Grants

Since 1946, Friends of the Library has given more than three million dollars to the Tompkins County Public Library and more than a half million dollars to the Finger Lakes Library System. We wished to extend our scope of giving to more libraries in the area: thus an Endowment Fund has been established. Money from the Endowment Fund and additional funding from the Friends is available to help local libraries and reading rooms in the Finger Lakes region that serve Tompkins County residents.

Grants are available by completing an Application Form pdf. Please consider applying for a library grant. Most awards will be in the $500 to $2,000 range. This award should be for a project that would make a significant difference in your library. Grant funding may be used to purchase books, CDs, DVDs, audio books, equipment and furniture, and to implement programs for your patrons.

Applications for the current round of funding from the Library Grants Committee are due on or before October 1, 2008. Please mail completed applications with supporting documentation (if any) to:

  • Friends of the Library Booksale
  • 509 Esty St
  • Ithaca, NY 14850
  • attn: Library Grants Committee

The Friends of the Library’s Guidelines prohibit the use of the grant for salaries.

If an award is given, you will be required to mail a copy of the paid invoice to the Library Grants Committee.

The organization should publicity recognize the project was funded by “The Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library”. There are book plates available that can be mailed to you.

We would appreciate feedback as to how the Grant has helped your library which may include photographs and/or public announcement.