H.R. 10931: Library Construction and Modernization Act of 2026

This bill would create a new federal grant program to help pay for public library construction and upgrades. The Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services would be required to give out grants on a competitive basis to eligible applicants.

What the grants could be used for

The money could be used for several types of library projects, including:

• Building a new public library or buying an existing building to use as a library
• Buying land needed for new library construction
• Adding onto an existing public library building
• Renovating or rehabilitating a library building
• Making libraries more energy efficient
• Creating spaces for group or community activities
• Updating buildings to meet federal health and safety standards
• Repairing worn or damaged parts of library buildings or systems, such as roofs, floors, lighting, plumbing, heating, ventilation, or air conditioning

How the program would work

To get a grant, an eligible applicant would have to submit an application in the form and manner the Director requires. The bill does not spell out the exact application process in detail, leaving that to the agency.

Who could apply

Eligible entities would include:

• States
• Local governments
• Agencies or instrumentalities of state or local governments

Federal funding limit

The federal government could pay no more than 50 percent of the cost of any project funded under this program. That means states or local governments would need to cover at least half of the total cost.

Limits on what counts as an eligible project

The bill specifically says the grant money cannot be used for ordinary custodial maintenance unless that work is part of a larger eligible construction, renovation, or repair project.

Relevant Companies

None found