Library Capital Improvement Program

The Library Capital Improvement Program is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce through its Local Government Division to support the development and enhancement of public library facilities across the state. The program is part of the state capital budget process and is designed to fund capital construction and renovation projects that improve access to library services for communities. It focuses on long-term infrastructure investments and prioritizes projects that demonstrate readiness, community need, and alignment with state development goals. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance for acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating library buildings operated by governmental entities. Funding is intended strictly for capital expenses and cannot be used for operational costs. Eligible expenditures include architectural and engineering design, construction labor and materials, site preparation, demolition, capitalized equipment, and information technology infrastructure related to building systems. The program explicitly excludes costs such as administrative expenses, feasibility studies, office equipment, and ongoing maintenance or operating costs. Grants are structured as reimbursement awards, meaning recipients must incur and pay costs prior to receiving reimbursement. Applicants must meet several eligibility and readiness requirements to be considered competitive. Projects must benefit a public library and be associated with a governmental unit as defined under state law. Applicants are required to demonstrate site control through ownership or a long-term lease and must secure sufficient funding to complete the entire project before contract execution. Additionally, applicants must agree to comply with prevailing wage laws and participate in sustainability standards such as LEED Silver certification when applicable. Projects that are construction-ready for the 2027–2029 biennium are prioritized. The program includes a strict cost-sharing requirement, as applicants must provide a 1:1 funding match equal to the grant request. The grant may cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, and matching funds must be fully documented. Matching contributions may include cash, pledged funds, or the appraised value of land acquired for the project. This requirement ensures that applicants have significant financial commitment and capacity to complete the proposed project. Applications are accepted through an online submission system and required completion via the ZoomGrants platform. Applicants are required to create an account, complete organizational profiles, and submit all materials electronically by the stated deadline. Participation in a virtual application webinar was included as a scored component of the evaluation process, indicating that engagement and preparedness were important evaluation factors. Applications were reviewed by a program committee, which made funding recommendations to the Governor and State Legislature for inclusion in the capital budget. The application period opens on January 5, 2026 and closes on April 15, 2026. Following review, recommended projects are to be submitted for legislative approval in fall 2026, with grant awards tied to the 2027–2029 capital budget cycle. Funded projects are expected to begin in alignment with the biennium starting July 1, 2027, and funds are available through June 30, 2029. While the program operates in cycles tied to biennial budgets, future funding rounds depend on legislative appropriation and are not guaranteed.

Prioritize construction-ready projects with secured matching funds and strong documentation of community need and readiness