Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: Up to $500,000
- Application opened: 22 September 2025
- Application closed: 10 November 2025, 5:00 pm
Program objective
The funds will be directed to projects that provide significant public benefit and develop improved public library services for NSW communities.Library Council has identified the following strategic priority areas for the Public Library Infrastructure Grants program:
- library buildings and spaces
- mobile libraries
- IT and digitisation projects
- cooperative library development activities
- projects that assist public libraries to support the NSW Government Creative Communities Policy.
This program is administered by Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.
Eligibility
Who can apply
NSW local authorities that have adopted the Library Act 1939 and provide public libraries in accordance with that Act.
Types of projects funded under this grant
- library buildings and spaces
- mobile libraries
- IT and digitisation projects
- cooperative library development activities
- projects that assist public libraries to support the NSW Government Creative Communities Policy.
Types of projects not funded under this grant
- Activities that infringe the Library Act 1939 or the Library Regulation 2018
- Retrospective projects
- Recurrent operating costs, as opposed to project costs
- Accommodation and catering costs
- Non-library activities and operations
- Work health and safety matters (which are the responsibility of the local authority)
- Artworks or decorations which are not considered critical to a program or service
What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
Not applicable
Address the eligibility criteria
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
Address the assessment criteria
- description of how the project will improve library services for your community with a focus on need and community benefit
- details of council commitment, including demonstrated relevance to council strategies
- ongoing viability and sustainability of the project, including maintenance and upgrades and, engagement with relevant partners if appropriate
- capacity to complete the project (considerations include timetable, personnel, budget and evaluation).
Start the application
Applications must be submitted using the Smartygrants online application form available at https://sl-nsw.smartygrants.com.au/
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Apply now
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Minister for the Arts
Applications are assessed by the Library Council of NSW Grants Committee with support from State Library staff. The role of this Committee is to make recommendations for funding to the Library Council.
Following consideration by the Library Council, recommendations are forwarded to the Minister for the Arts for consideration and approval. Subsequently, the Minister’s Office announce the grants.
Anticipated assessment outcome date is April 2026
Anticipated date for funding deed execution with successful applicants is May 2026
Support and contact
Kate O'Grady
Consultant, Public Library Services, State Library of NSW
kate.ogrady@sl.nsw.gov.au
02 9273 1699