Deadline: 05-Jun-2026
The Spanish Ministry of Culture is offering grants to modernise municipal public libraries and reading centres in municipalities with up to 50,000 inhabitants. The programme supports accessibility improvements, energy efficiency upgrades, and technological and furniture modernization. The total budget is €500,000, with mandatory 40% municipal co-financing and a 15-working-day application window.
Overview of the Programme
This funding initiative supports the renovation and modernisation of public libraries and reading centres in small and mid-sized Spanish municipalities. It aims to improve accessibility, sustainability, and digital readiness while strengthening library services as inclusive public spaces.
Eligible libraries must be municipally owned, actively operating, and listed in the official Directory of Spanish Libraries.
Programme Objectives
The grant is designed to strengthen library infrastructure and service quality across Spain.
Key objectives include:
- Improving accessibility for elderly people and persons with disabilities
- Enhancing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability
- Modernising technological infrastructure in libraries
- Upgrading furniture and physical library spaces
- Strengthening digital access to library services
- Supporting inclusive and user-friendly public library environments
Eligible Activities
Funding supports infrastructure upgrades and equipment procurement across three main areas.
Accessibility improvements:
- Installation of ramps, lifts, and accessible entry systems
- Equipment for users with disabilities
- Accessibility tools for elderly users
- Inclusive signage and navigation systems
Sustainability and energy efficiency:
- Heating system upgrades
- Thermal insulation improvements
- Energy-efficient lighting systems
- Renewable energy installations
- Other eco-efficiency measures
Technology and modernization:
- Computers, tablets, and scanners
- Projectors and digital cameras
- Multifunction printing devices
- Library management software
- Barcode readers and anti-theft systems
Furniture upgrades:
- Shelving systems
- Tables, chairs, and counters
- Signage and interior organization systems
Eligibility Criteria
Only specific municipal libraries and reading centres may apply under defined conditions.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be municipalities in Spain with population ≤ 50,000
- Operate municipally owned libraries or reading centres
- Be listed in the official Directory of Spanish Libraries
- Have active library operations at the time of application
- Meet minimum weekly opening hour requirements
- Employ qualified library staff responsible for services
Application rules:
- Only one library or reading centre per municipality per application
- Multiple applications allowed only for different funding categories within the same centre
- Mandatory minimum 40% municipal co-financing
Funding Structure
The programme provides a structured budget allocation across three categories.
Total budget: €500,000
Allocation breakdown:
- €215,000 for accessibility projects
- €215,000 for sustainability and energy efficiency projects
- €70,000 for furniture and technological equipment
Additional provision:
- Unused funds in one category may be reallocated to others
Implementation Requirements
Projects must comply with financial and operational standards set by the Ministry.
Key requirements include:
- Minimum 40% co-financing from municipalities
- Investment-based spending (infrastructure and equipment only)
- Compliance with accessibility and sustainability standards
- Proper justification of procurement and expenditures
Application Timeline
The submission window is strictly time-bound.
Key deadline information:
- Applications must be submitted within 15 working days
- Countdown begins the day after publication in the Official State Gazette
- Late submissions are not accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this grant programme for?
- It funds the modernisation and sustainability upgrades of municipal libraries and reading centres in Spain’s smaller municipalities.
- Who can apply?
- Eligible applicants include:
- Spanish municipalities with up to 50,000 inhabitants
- Municipally owned and active libraries listed in the official directory
- Eligible applicants include:
- What types of projects are funded?
- Funded projects include:
- Accessibility improvements for disabled and elderly users
- Energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades
- Purchase of ICT equipment and library technology
- Furniture and interior modernization
- Funded projects include:
- What is the funding amount?
- The total programme budget is €500,000, divided across accessibility, sustainability, and equipment categories.
- Is co-financing required?
- Yes:
- Municipalities must provide at least 40% of total project costs
- Yes:
- How many applications can a municipality submit?
- Each municipality can submit:
- One application per library or reading centre
- Multiple category-based requests within the same centre
- Each municipality can submit:
- What is the application deadline?
- Applications must be submitted within 15 working days after publication in the Official State Gazette
Conclusion
This Ministry of Culture initiative strengthens public library infrastructure across smaller Spanish municipalities by funding accessibility, sustainability, and digital modernization upgrades. By improving physical spaces and technological capacity, the programme enhances inclusive access to knowledge and reinforces libraries as essential community resources.
For more information, visit Ministry of Culture.