COSLA Policy Platform 2026

Advance Federal Funding to Strengthen and Expand Library Services

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services is the largest source of Federal funding for library services in the US. State library agencies receive LSTA funding to support statewide initiatives and services and may distribute funds through subawards to libraries or consortia, all to the benefit of local libraries and the communities they serve.
COSLA seeks an increase in funding for libraries through LSTA in 2027 with the long-term goal of federal funding for LSTA allocated in the total amount of $1 for every American. A survey by the Colorado Library Research Service shows that nationally a $1 investment in libraries yields an average of $5 in benefits. Libraries strengthen the skills of individuals and serve as economic drivers in their community, creating significant short-term and long-term economic benefits.

COSLA asks Congress to support stable advancements toward the full authorized LSTA funding level of $232 million in FY2027, including an amount of not less than $192 million for the Grants to States program. 
COSLA also asks for level funding for the administrative and data collection functions of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which provide critical support and strategic vision for advancing the nation’s libraries.

Fostering Strong Readers for a Brighter Future for America

For Americans nationwide, reading is the gateway to success in education, work and life: it strengthens problem solving, language and communication skills; it enables adults to understand critical health, financial, and other information; and it encourage people of all ages to learn and explore. As cornerstones in our communities, libraries across the country coordinate programs and resources to increase and strengthen the reading skills of children and adults.
The first early reading experiences of many children come from library story times and books. Children who learn to read proficiently by 3rd grade have a greater chance of succeeding academically and in the workforce according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation report, “How to Improve Reading Skills of a Child.”

COSLA encourages legislators to include libraries as key partners in legislation supporting reading, and asks Congress to appropriate $50 million for Innovative Approaches to Literacy.

One Page Version of COSLA's 2026 Policy Priorities (PDF)

One Page Version of COSLA's 2025 Policy Priorities (PDF)

 One Page Version of COSLA's 2024 Policy Priorities (PDF)