For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The American Library Association (ALA) invites library workers to apply for the annual Peggy Barber Tribute Grant, to help ease library budget challenges by awarding three libraries $2,500 to support a proposed program, program series, or programming effort.
The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant is an annual grant that recognizes, promotes, and supports meaningful programs in libraries that have limited and/or no access to budgetary support for programming.
Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle are now open through February 2, 2026. Read the grant guidelines and apply online.
Each year, the grant will focus on supporting a specific type of library programming. For the 2025-2026 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications to support programming related to strengthening community ties through libraries as third spaces.
As one of the few remaining “third spaces” – public spaces where individuals can gather outside their homes or workplaces – libraries are uniquely positioned to bring people together and strengthen communities. Example proposals could include (but are not limited to): an intergenerational gardening program, a program series engaging adults in play-based programming, or a visual arts performance at the library in partnership with a local theater group. Proposed programs should include how it will bring people in your community together, how the program will foster connection amongst participants, and how the program can help folks share space with other people in the community.
All library types – including public, academic, K-12, tribal, and special libraries – in the U.S. or U.S. territories are eligible. Applicants must have a personal or institutional membership with either the American Library Association OR the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.
Last year’s grant was for programming related to combatting isolation for older adults. The 2025 grant was awarded to:
- Falls City Library & Arts Center in Nebraska to start offering weekly special offerings to older adults called ‘Senior Socials’, to create a space for seniors to gather and socialize consistently. The library will implement weekly senior programs, such as continuing its existing craft program and adding events like chair yoga, classic movie showings, and special speakers.
- Hartford Public Library in Michigan aims to create more senior events focusing on keeping older adults physically and socially active, such as Tai Chi, chair yoga, and cardio drumming. The library will also start incorporating prizes such as non-perishable food and household and personal care products at senior bingo events.
- Pottsboro Library in Texas will promote community bonding and celebrate older adults as knowledge contributors with ‘Share & Learn’, a community-driven program where seniors take on the role of presenter by sharing valuable skills and life experiences with others to help preserve knowledge and boost self-confidence.
Margaret “Peggy” Barber was a transformative leader in ALA and the library field who was behind the creation of National Library Week and the Celebrity READ series. Read Library Journal’s tribute.
The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant was created with donations from Barber’s friends and colleagues. To support the grant, make a contribution to the Peggy Barber tribute fund within ALA’s Cultural Communities Fund.
To stay informed about future grants and awards offered by ALA’s Public Programs Office, sign up for the Programming Librarian e-newsletter.
