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Alaska State Libraries, Archives & Museums Alaska State Library

Alaska Online With Libraries (OWL) Program

Online With Libraries Internet Cost Assistance Program FY2026

Description/Purpose

The Online With Libraries (OWL) Internet Cost Assistance program is a noncompetitive funding opportunity that allows public libraries in Alaska to apply for internet assistance from the Alaska State Library through the OWL Program. Submitting a proposal does not guarantee funding or full funding. Funds are granted according to available resources.

The Alaska Online With Libraries (OWL) Program is funded by the State of Alaska to:

  • Provide Alaska residents access to high-speed internet and computing equipment in public libraries to access necessary online information and resources for education, employment, government services, health, and enjoyment.
  • Bring the world to Alaska by connecting people from all areas of the state with other Alaskans and Americans through internet access and events, meetings, and training via videoconferencing.
  • Reduce costs for libraries, agencies, and organizations by substituting travel for video meetings and visits.
  • Provide information technology training to Alaska library staff and residents that will enhance future education, employment prospects, and quality of life.

The OWL Internet Cost Assistance Program provides supplementary funding for internet connectivity costs to public libraries in Alaska as part of the OWL program’s mission to provide Alaskans with the benefits and opportunities that come with access to high speed Internet.

Funding Source

The Online With Libraries (OWL) Program, which includes the OWL Internet Cost Assistance Program, is funded by the State of Alaska.

The Alaska State Library thanks the State of Alaska and Alaska State Legislature for appropriating dedicated funds to the OWL Program to support internet access in Alaska’s public libraries!

Eligibility & Funding Criteria

Public libraries in Alaska eligible to receive the Public Library Assistance (PLA) Grant are eligible to apply for the OWL Internet Cost Assistance Program.

The maximum award is determined based on these factors:

  • Annual internet cost  
  • E-Rate percentage (if applicable - receipt of E-Rate is not required)
  • Annual operating budget
  • Amount of funding available from the State for the OWL Program 

This funding opportunity applies to internet for the library only; it cannot be used to pay internet bills that include access for other departments or entities.

The OWL Internet Cost Assistance Program awards may be used for recurring Internet costs only. One-time fees, equipment costs, and labor costs (such as the cost associated with service installation) are not eligible. 

Supporting Documents Needed

Please provide the following documents with your application:

If your library receives E-Rate:

Please attach

  • A copy of your Funding Commitment Decision Letter from USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company).
  • If you have a contract with your ISP showing the amount you pay monthly or for the year, please attach a copy of the portion that shows the amount agreed upon.

If your library does not receive E-Rate:

  • If you have a contract with your ISP showing the amount you pay monthly or per year, please attach a copy of the portion that shows the amount agreed upon.
  • If you do not have a contract, please attach copies of the three most recent months of your library’s internet bill.

All libraries:

All applying libraries must submit information about their current operating budget. This can be any document that shows the total amount for the current or previous FY. 

Also,

Save the following documents to file with your program report at the end of the award year:

  • Documentation of your actual total internet costs for the award year.

Timeline for FY2026

  • Complete applications with all attachments are due August 29, 2025 Extended to September 9, 2025
  • Awards are announced after State Budget approval and DEED Grant Spending Plan approval.
  • Signed agreements are due within 45 days of the award notification.
  • Every effort will be made to send payouts to libraries within 30 days of receiving the agreements.
  • Final Reports are due July 31, 2026

Note that the State of Alaska runs on a July-June Fiscal Year. It is named for the year that contains June 30.
Example: FY2026 runs from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026