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Governor recommends $2 million for Mary C. Murphy library construction grants

Minnesota Senate Capital Investment Committee · February 20, 2026

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Summary

The governor's budget includes $2 million for the Mary C. Murphy Library Construction Grant program to help libraries with accessibility, HVAC, and building repairs; program historically leverages substantial local matching funds and serves libraries across Minnesota.

Bobby Burnham, assistant commissioner in the Department of Education, presented the Mary C. Murphy Library Construction Grant program history and the governor's 2026 recommendation of $2 million for competitive grants to public libraries.

Burnham said the program has been funded 15 times since 1994 and has historically drawn strong local matches; the 2025 round included $750,000 that leveraged many millions in local investment. Eligible applicants are public libraries in regional systems; projects range from HVAC and roof replacement to ADA accessibility upgrades. The program requires a minimum local match of 50 percent and uses a peer review process to award grants.

Burnham noted that the average library building is 52 years old and that unmet capital needs exceed $219 million based on 2024 data. He told the committee that recent successful projects include children's wings and community-room renovations and that prospective applicants are already identifying projects for 2026 funding if the program is appropriated.