[TL-Directors] State Library Update: more good news!

[CORNELISEN Wendy * SLO]

Hi all,

There will be an official press release in the coming weeks, but you heard it here first: in 2027, the total amount of Ready to Read grants will be increased by $400,000, thanks to an addition of Birth to 5 Literacy funds from the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), in recognition of the critical role public libraries serve for early childhood literacy. Libraries will receive anywhere from 28% to 100% more Ready to Read funds over 2026, with a median increase of 65%. The preliminary 2027 R2R grant award amounts will be released in July, as per usual.

As you know, eligible public libraries use R2R funds to support early learning or summer reading programming. This amount increases total funds by nearly 50%, to $1,310,066. The State Library will double the minimum grant for libraries to $2,000. The rest of the funds will be distributed based on the statutory formula in 80% on a per child age 0-14 in the library's service area and 20% on square mileage.


While the financial picture looks different these days, the time and attention you brought to the Fall 2025 survey and listening sessions is most appreciated and will help inform the State Library's next strategic plan. I'm happy to share that the report is posted<https://www.oregon.gov/library/operations/Documents/BudgetsAndReports/UnderstadingCommunityExpectationsoftheStateLibraryReport.pdf>! Stay tuned for a future Town Hall to help unpack this 70-page look at the community's understanding and expectations of the State Library.


The Governor has submitted appointments for Senate confirmation<https://web.govpress.oregon.gov//mail/util.cfm?gpiv=2100169637.7280.223&gen=1> next month, which includes three folks for the State Library Board:


  *   Nikotris Lewis, member of the public representing Western Oregon, for a second term
  *   Jennifer Reading, public library representative for Western Oregon, for a first term
  *   Mary Beechler, member of the public representing Eastern Oregon, for a first term

When confirmed, all three of these appointments will begin on July 1, 2026, and end June 30, 2030. Read more about the State Library Board on our website<https://www.oregon.gov/library/operations/Pages/Library-Board.aspx>.

Please let me know what questions this sparks.

Thanks,

Wendy

Wendy Cornelisen (she, her, hers)
State Librarian
State Library of Oregon
wendy.cornelisen at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:wendy.cornelisen at slo.oregon.gov>
Office: 503-378-4367| Mobile 971-375-3992
www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>
[Title: State Library of Oregon]

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