Applications are now being accepted for mini-grants of up to $500, offered by the Nebraska Library Commission, as a part of our initiative to get childhood literacy back on track. We’ve partnered with the Little Free Library organization to offer these grants, with a focus on improving access to books in unserved (communities with no library) and underserved (communities that have a library, but would benefit from additional access points, or increased hours of availability) areas. Applications can be submitted anytime between now and are set to close at midnight on August 22, 2025. If the applicant already has an existing little free library, grants of up to $250 are available for the purchase of early literacy books to stock the LFL location. For those communities seeking to install a Little Free Library, grants of up to $500 are available for the library box, post, and children’s books.
Any community within Nebraska is eligible to apply. Local governments or local civic institutions (e.g. Lions clubs, scout organizations, Rotary, Kiwanis, and others) are all welcome to apply. You MUST have permission to install the LFL box and post, either from the public entity (e.g. city/town) or private entity (if installing on private property).
For some facts about how Nebraska has fallen behind when it comes to childhood literacy, and how little free libraries can help, visit our LFL webpage.
Here is a link to more information about the grants, and a link to the online application. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
