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Category Archives: Grants
Apply for a 2026 Coretta Scott King Book Awards Donation Grant
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
Every year, in the process of choosing the Coretta Scott King Book Award winners and honor books, the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table Jury Committee receives multiple copies of over 100 titles by African American authors and illustrators.
Awarded by the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Committee, the grant program provides books submitted for consideration for the Coretta Scott King Book Awards to libraries and other organizations to expand their collections.
Applicants must demonstrate the following:
- Why the collection is needed in their community?
- Why the collection is needed in their agency or institution?
- How would acquiring the collection will help to better serve the children and youth of their community?
- That the materials will be made freely available to children and youth without censorship
A committee appointed by the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Committee Chair will review the applications and based on the total number of points, determine the recipient or recipients of the materials. To assure agencies and institutions receive age appropriate books, the committee reserves the right to divide a single grant among two or more agencies or institutions.
Applications due March 15, 2026. For more information, and to apply, visit https://www.ala.org/cskbart/bookgrant
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.
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Dollar General Literacy Foundation 2026 Grants Application Cycle is Open
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for programs aimed at enhancing Adult, Family, and Summer Reading Literacy programs. The Foundation will also accept applications for its Youth Literacy grant program starting on March 5, 2026.The application deadline for Adult, Family, and Summer Reading Literacy Grant applications is February 5, 2026. Interested applicants may find eligibility information and apply by visiting the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Grant Programs website.
To be eligible for a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, your organization must be a nonprofit organization as determined by the IRS, a public library, school or college providing direct literacy services within a state that Dollar General Corporation operates in and is within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. Other eligibility requirements are specific to each grant type and can be found within the grants themselves.
For the Adult and Family literacy grant programs, the maximum grant amount is up to $10,000. The Summer Reading maximum is $3,000 and the Youth Literacy grant is $4,000. Applying for a grant does not guarantee that amount due to the large volume of requests we receive.
Adult Literacy Grants – Grant Application deadline: February 5, 2026.
Funding is awarded to organizations that provide direct services to adults in need of literacy assistance in one of the following areas:
- Adult basic education
- GED or high school equivalency preparation
- English language acquisition
Family Literacy Grants – Grant Application deadline: February 5, 2026.
Funding is awarded to nonprofit organizations who support the whole family in literacy, providing:
- Adult education instruction
- Children’s education
- Parent and Child Together Time (PACT)
Summer Reading Grants – Grant Application deadline: February 5, 2026.
Local nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries can receive funding to support the creation or expansion of summer reading programs that meet the following criteria:
- Target pre-K to 12th grade students who are new readers
- Target below grade level readers
- Assist readers with learning disabilities
Youth Literacy Grants – Grant Applications will open on March 5, 2026. Application deadline: April 2, 2026.
Schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations who help students that are below grade level or having trouble reading may apply with funding provided to assist in the following areas:
- Implementing new or expanding existing literacy programs
- Purchasing new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives
- Purchasing books, materials or software for literacy programs
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ALA Games & Gaming Round Table 2026 Game On! Grant
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The Games and Gaming Round Table of the American Library Association is proud to announce its annual grant program, the Game On! Grant, to enable libraries to develop gaming programs or collections for their public.
Applications are due March 15, 2026.
Through the Game On! Grant, $2,000.00 will be available to be awarded either as one grant of $2,000 or two of $1,000 each to assist a library (or libraries) in developing gaming programs or collections for their communities.
GameRT members in good standing currently employed at a public, school, academic, or special library in the United States or Canada are eligible to apply. GameRT membership requires ALA membership.
Libraries will need to illustrate a plan for a sustainable gaming program or collection created with the funds as well as financial need and institutional support for the proposed project. Previous winners have received support for chess tournaments materials, a circulating multilingual board game collection, video games for after school clubs, and more.
GameRT currently provides $1000 of annual grant funds for the Game On! Grant. The rest of the annual grant funds are provided by gracious donors.
Cards Against Humanity (CAH) has provided a grant donation to fund $1000 toward the Game On! Grant for 5 consecutive years. Award years 2025-2029 will include this amount. Read more about why CAH supports libraries in this blog interview.
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NEA 2027 Grant Opportunities Now Available
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is pleased to announce that grant guidelines and application materials are now available for 2027 Grants for Arts Projects. These grants to organizations support specific projects in any part of the nation’s 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. jurisdictions.
Application deadlines are February 12, 2026, and July 9, 2026, for projects taking place beginning in 2027.
Activities funded through Grants for Arts Projects enable Americans throughout the nation to experience the arts, foster and celebrate America’s artistic heritage and cultural legacy, and benefit from arts education at all stages of life. We also support arts and health programs, including creative arts therapies, that advance the well-being of people and communities.
The NEA welcomes applications from first-time and returning applicants; from organizations serving rural, urban, suburban, and tribal communities of all sizes; and from organizations with a range of operating budgets.
To simplify the application intake and review process, Our Town and Challenge America applicants will apply within the Grants for Arts Projects program and choose the “Design & Our Town” or “Challenge America” discipline. Other disciplines include Arts Education, Dance, Folk & Traditional Arts, Literary Arts, Local Arts Agencies, Museums, Music, Opera, Presenting & Multidisciplinary Works, Theater & Musical Theater, and Visual & Media Arts.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) U.S. organizations, units of state or local government, and federally recognized tribal communities or tribes. Applicants may be arts organizations, local arts agencies, arts service organizations, local education agencies (school districts), and other organizations that can help advance the NEA’s goals.
Cost share/matching grants range from $10,000 to $100,000. Designated local arts agencies that are eligible to subgrant may request from $30,000 to $150,000 for subgranting projects. A minimum cost share/match equal to the grant amount is required.
See the Grants for Arts Projects Program Guidelines for additional details, including agency funding priorities for FY 2027 and a series of short videos about the guidelines available for applicants.
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Apply Now: Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant
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 Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant, an annual award supporting innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries.Applications due February 2, 2026. View the full award guidelines and apply online at www.ala.org/LTCEG.
Now in its seventh year, the Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant recognizes, promotes and supports innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries. It will provide two $2,000 grants to expand the community engagement efforts of a school, public, academic, tribal, or special library.
Libraries are invited to apply by designing and outlining activities for a library-led community engagement project. Community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with community members – be they library patrons, residents, faculty, students, or local organizations – to address issues for the betterment of the community.
Each year, the grant supports community engagement projects with a specific theme. For the 2025–2026 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications for a community engagement project that focuses on the concept of “Libraries as a Lifeline: Building Belonging for All.” Libraries should work collaboratively with community members and at least one partner organization to develop a project that addresses a local issue and builds upon community assets.
Some example proposals could include (but are not limited to): a project that establishes a Community Care Corner with outreach materials, hygiene kits, and local resource guides; a program that collaborates with a local partner to offer micro-skill sessions on subjects like budgeting, digital literacy or navigating healthcare; projects that develop community connection by hosting neighbor gatherings over meals or creative activities to celebrate diversity; a program that hosts moderated community conversations on local issues by partnering with schools, non-profits or civic groups.
Visit the grant guidelines for more information.
Last year, the Mountain Top Library (N.Y.) and Pottsboro (Texas) Library won grants for projects concentrated on building neighborhood connections. The winning libraries used LTCEG funds to create a collaborative, modern town map and launch a local civic engagement series.
ALA announced the creation of the Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant in 2019, an initiative made possible by a matching grant and ongoing support from former ALA president and longtime generous supporter Nancy Kranich.
The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant is part of Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC), ALA’s community engagement initiative. Since 2014, LTC has reimagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types, from across the country, have utilized the free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a safe space for residents to come together to discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.
LTC is administered by ALA’s Public Programs Office. To stay informed about future grants and awards offered by ALA’s Public Programs Office, sign up for the Programming Librarian e-newsletter.
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Tagged librariestransform
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2026 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
Applications for the 2026 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are now open! These grants recognize libraries for their growth of graphic literature and award funds for graphic novel collection development and programming.The application deadline is January 11, 2026.
The objective of the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries is to facilitate library-generated programs and services that will promote graphic novels to library patrons and to the local community.
Two Will Eisner Graphic Novel grants will be awarded in 2026: one Graphic Novel Growth Grant, to a library that would like to expand their existing graphic novel services and programs; and one Graphic Novel Innovation Grant, to a library for the initiation of a new graphic novel service or program.
Each winning library will receive a $4,000 programming and collection development grant, which includes $1,000 to attend the ALA Annual Conference to receive their grant money. In addition, the wining libraries will also receive a collection of Will Eisner’s works and biographies, as well as a selection of the winning titles from the current year’s Will Eisner Awards at Comic-Con International, valued at approximately $3,000.
All applicants must be current personal or organizational members of ALA in good standing at the time of application. The institution can be a school, public, academic, or special library and must be located in North America – Canada, United States, or Mexico.
Visit the Eisner Grants page for the application form and grant details. Be sure to also check out the Eisner Grant FAQ page for new updates and additional information, including samples of some of the previous winning grant applications.
For any questions, contact ALA Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries Round Table Staff Liaison, Tina Coleman, at ccoleman@ala.org.
Will Eisner (1917-2005) was an acclaimed American comics writer, artist, teacher, and entrepreneur. He is considered one of the most important contributors to the development of sequential art (a term he coined) and is known for the cartooning studio he founded; for his highly influential comic series, The Spirit; for his use of comics as an instructional medium; for his leading role in establishing the graphic novel as a form of literature with his 1978 groundbreaking graphic novel, A Contract with God and Other Tenement Stories; for his 20 years of teaching at the School of Visual Arts, leading to his three textbooks. In a career that spanned nearly seven decades – from the dawn of the comic book to the advent of digital comics – Will Eisner was truly the “Father of the Graphic Novel.”
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Tagged #eisnergrant, #GNCRT, #graphicnovels, #willeisner
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Apply for Programming Support with the ALA Peggy Barber Tribute Grant
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.
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Applications Now Open for 2026-27 NEA Big Read Grants
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
Applications are now open for the 2026-27 cycle of the NEA Big Read, a national program that offers matching grants of up to $20,000 to support community-wide reading programs. This year’s NEA Big Read will center around the theme America250, honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial.”The Intent to Apply deadline is January 15, 2026. Final Application due: January 29, 2026. Visit Arts Midwest’s website for complete grant guidelines and to apply.
The 24 NEA Big Read books available for programming this cycle celebrate America’s culture, history, and resilience through the eyes of its people. Using a book selection as inspiration, applicants will facilitate discussions, writing workshops, and creative programming activities that explore this theme and celebrate the unique aspects of their communities.
NEA Big Read At-A-Glance
- What is it? The NEA Big Read is a reading program that brings communities together around the central theme America250 using one of 24 available books as inspiration. It offers matching grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.
- Who can apply? Nonprofit arts organizations, universities, libraries, service organizations, museums, school districts, and tribal governments are all encouraged to apply.
- Where? Your organization must be located and operate within the United States or the Native Nations that share this geography.
- When to apply? A mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 15, 2026, with final applications due January 29, 2026. Funded programs will take place between September 2026 and June 2027.
The NEA Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with Arts Midwest.
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Penguin Random House and United for Libraries Announce 2026 Grants for Rural and Small Library Friends Groups
In celebration of the 20th annual National Friends of Libraries Week, Penguin Random House and United for Libraries announced new grants for Friends of Libraries serving rural and small libraries across the country. Grants of $500 and $1,000 (totaling $25,000), will be awarded to support libraries in need. Applications for the 2026 grants will be open from December 17, 2025 – January 21, 2026.
These funds will assist Friends of Library groups, or nonprofit groups that support and fundraise for libraries in their communities, with priority projects. In-kind book donation grants of $500 will also be awarded to 20 libraries to purchase Penguin Random House titles.
For more information about the grants and to sign up for updates, visit www.ala.org/united/prhgrant.
Empowering Friends groups to advocate for intellectual freedom
The grant program comes at a critical time for the library community as the freedom to read faces increased attacks in the form of book bans and challenges. Once primarily focused on school libraries, public libraries have become targets of book banning efforts in recent years, with reports sent to ALA documenting 821 attempts to censor library books and other materials in 2024, the third highest number of book challenges since tracking began in 1990.
“Small and rural libraries are community cornerstones, but today—when the freedom to read is under attack across the country—they are more important than ever. These grants will empower Friends groups to bolster their support and advocacy, ensuring these vital community centers not only survive but thrive. We are honored to launch this program during National Friends of Libraries Week and pleased to partner with United for Libraries to boost the important role of Friends Groups,” said Skip Dye, Senior Vice President of Library Sales and Digital Strategy at Penguin Random House.
When will applications open?
Applications will be open from Dec. 17, 2025-Jan. 21, 2026, and applicants will be notified by March 30, 2026.
For libraries that are interested in applying but don’t know where to start, United for Libraries will present free virtual informational sessions beginning in December, including two 30-minute sessions that include an overview of the process and tips on applying, and a one-hour webinar featuring 2025 grant recipients and their projects. On-demand training includes a session on grant writing basics, and a session on how to start a Friends of the Library group (for libraries that do not currently have an active group); learn more and register.
In addition to a grant of $500 or $1,000, or a book donation grant, recipients will also receive complimentary eLearning from United for Libraries, including a year of access to United for Libraries Learning Live monthly webinars which present in-depth training to library Trustees/Board Members, Friends, Foundations, advocates, and those who work with them, and training on how to leverage the grant funds to build support for the library and the Friends group. Recipients will also receive complimentary registration for Friends of the Library Day of the United for Libraries virtual conference (July 30, 2026) and United for Libraries Friends virtual retreat (spring 2027).
“Friends groups provide much-needed support to libraries by raising money for programs and projects not covered by regular funding, and by being strong advocates for their libraries — their help is crucial right now, when so many libraries are facing challenges to materials, resources, and programs,” said 2024-2026 United for Libraries President Deborah Doyle. “These grants provided by Penguin Random House will enable Friends in rural and small areas to fulfill an unmet need of the library, and to take their support to the next level with United for Libraries training and resources.”
Grants will be administered by United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, whose mission is to support those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for all types of libraries. Grant funding is provided by Penguin Random House.
NCompass Live: Discovering New Grants for Your Library: Think Outside the Box
Due to insufficient budgets, libraries often struggle to provide the services, materials, engaging programming, and professional development that library staff need. Luckily, there are other funding opportunities available, if you just know where to look.
You may know about many library specific grants, but libraries are also eligible for other grants that might not be so obvious. In this session, we will learn how to find grants for your library in unexpected places.
Presenter: Christa Porter, Library Development Director, Nebraska Library Commission.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
- Oct. 22 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – ENJOY NLA!
- Oct. 29 – Nebraska Celebration of Books 2025
- Nov. 5 – From Rotary to the Local Bar: Unexpected Allies in Library Outreach
- Nov. 12 – There’s Always Something Happening at the Library: Becoming a Daily Destination for Your Community
- Nov. 19 – Summer Reading Program 2026: Unearth a Story
- Nov. 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Librarian 2025 Highlights
- Dec. 3 – Social Media Show & Tell!
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
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Apply now for 2026 Science Kits for Public Libraries (SKPL) Grants
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The Application deadline is January 15, 2026. Those libraries which have previously applied for the grant but did not receive funding are invited to submit again.
Public Libraries have a long tradition of building stronger communities by providing life-long learning opportunities for children and teens. The SKPL Team is honored to have the opportunity to enrich the services that public libraries offer. SKPL enables children, parents, and teachers the chance to borrow library kits for hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning at home or in classroom.
Visit the SKPL website, https://r4.ieee.org/skpl/ for the application form and submission details. Contact Doug DeBoer (Douglas.DeBoer@Dordt.edu) with any questions.
Region 4, Science Kits for Public Libraries (SKPL) organization is a volunteer-based organization affiliated with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). SKPL believes all children – regardless of race, gender, financial condition, or home environment – should have access to high-quality, hands-on STEM learning experiences. By making catalyst grants available to public libraries, we empower them to start their own science kit collections that are free and accessible to the public.
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Fern V. Heim Trustee Scholarship for Public Library Board Members: Applications due next week!
Apply for an individual scholarship to attend the NLA 2025 Conference in York on October 22nd-23rd!
**This scholarship is open only to current Nebraska Public Library Board Members!**
The Fern V. Heim Scholarship for Trustees was established by her friend, Mary Louise Dutcher, to honor Fern’s dedication to small public libraries and their trustees. Although Fern’s library career began in special libraries (Head of the UNL Chemistry Department Library, Serials and Circulation Departments of UNL Love Library, and then Director of the Research Library at Goodrich Tire and Rubber in Akron, Ohio), her work at the Nebraska Library Commission was devoted to public libraries. Recognizing that few small library budgets could provide support for librarians, let alone their volunteer trustees, to attend professional meetings, she encouraged them to go whenever possible (at their own expense) if only for a portion of the meeting. As her legacy, it is fitting to assist those trustees through this scholarship program.
The Fern V. Heim Scholarship Award was established to provide assistance to current public library board members with preference to members of the Nebraska Library Association Public Library and Trustee Section (PLTS) for attendance to the Nebraska Library Association Conference or the Association for Rural and Small Libraries Conference.
Applications due by Friday, October 3, 2025!
For more details and application:
Please submit all grant application forms and questions to:
Holli Duggan
Posted in Grants, Public Library Boards of Trustees
Tagged Board Members, CEgrants, conference, Fern Heim Scholarship, Grant, NLA, Trustees
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2026 NLC Grants are Open for Applications!
Nebraska Accredited Public Libraries and State-run Institutions! Do you have an idea for a program or project you would like to see funded? Apply for an NLC Grant!
Applications are now open for NLC Grants for 2026. Don’t let your library miss out on these opportunities!
The Nebraska Library Commission has made funding available for four grants for 2026: Continuing Education & Training, Internship, Library Improvement, and Youth Grants for Excellence.
Grant applications for these 2026 NLC grants are due November 14, 2025.
For more information about these grants, watch the recording of the NCompass Live webinar, NLC Grants for 2026.
Continuing Education & Training to assist Nebraska libraries in improving the library services provided to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters. Successful applications will show how the continuing education and/or training proposed will support the library’s mission. For this round of CE and training grants, applications should be for events happening before June 2026.
Internship grants work to introduce high school and college students to the varied and exciting work of Nebraska libraries. The internships are intended to function as a recruitment tool, helping the student to view the library as a viable career opportunity while providing the public library with the finances to provide stipends to the student interns.
Library Improvement grants facilitate growth and development of library programs and services in Nebraska public and institutional libraries, by supplementing local funding with state funds designated for these purposes.
Youth Grants for Excellence are available specifically for innovative projects for children and young adults in your community. The program encourages creative thinking, risk-taking, and new approaches to enable youth librarians to begin needed programs and try projects which they have been unable to undertake, and to offer an opportunity to expand youth service capabilities in new and different directions.
Apply now for the Final Round of ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities Grant: Accessible Small and Rural Communities
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The American Library Association invites applications from small and rural libraries for the final application period of the Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant.
Applications will be accepted through December 11, 2025 at ala.org/LTCAccess.
The opportunity is open to any type of library in the U.S. and U.S. territories that serves a small and rural community – to be eligible, a library must have a legal service area population of 25,000 or less and be located at least five miles from an urbanized area (town/city with a population of 25,000 or greater).
Participating libraries will first conduct community input-gathering sessions to assure that their work aligns with local needs. Libraries will be required to identify the primary audience they are hoping to reach (e.g., homebound seniors, children with autism, Deaf community members) and facilitate a community conversation with the impacted populations in order to guide improvement of the library’s services. Grantees would then use the funds to create services or improve their facilities based on the needs identified by their audience.
Selected libraries will receive $10,000 or $20,000 to support costs related to their community engagement project; virtual training to assist project directors in developing their community engagement, facilitation, and disability service skills; a suite of online resources developed to support local programs; and technical and project support from the ALA Public Programs Office throughout the grant term.
For a review of the LTC Access initiative and application process, register for the Pre-Application Webinar on October 1, 2025, and take a look at the Reviewer Rubric that will be used to evaluate your application.
Questions? Contact the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office staff at 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5045, or publicprograms@ala.org
Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is part of ALA’s longtime commitment to preparing library workers for the expanding role of libraries. The initiative is offered in partnership with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL).
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Nebraska Library Commission Awards Little Free Library Grants to 23 Communities Across the State
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 10, 2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Sam Shaw
402-471-3216
800-307-2665
Nebraska Library Commission Awards Little Free Library Grants to 23 Communities Across the State
LINCOLN, NE —
The Nebraska Library Commission is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Little Free Library (LFL) Mini-Grant Program, designed to expand access to books and promote early literacy in Nebraska’s unserved and underserved communities. The Nebraska Library Commission has collaborated with the Little Free Library Organization to provide these grants.This year, 23 communities across the state will receive funding to either install a new Little Free Library or restock existing ones with high-quality children’s books. Grants of $500 were awarded to sites to establish a new LFL and purchase books, while grants of $250 were awarded to existing LFL locations to enhance their collections.
“On average, kids with access to Little Free Libraries read 1.1 more days per week compared to communities that do not provide LFLs,” said Sam Shaw, Data Coordinator at the Nebraska Library Commission. “We’re thrilled to support these communities in building and sustaining access to reading materials, especially for young learners.”
2025 Grant Recipients Include:
| $250 Book Grants (Existing LFLs) | $500 Grants (New LFLs + Books) |
| Village of Cairo | Stamford Village |
| Long Pine Village | Hoskins Village |
| Waverly Community Center | Fordyce Village |
| Unadilla Public Library | Alda Village |
| North Bend Public Library | Chambers Village |
| Madison Public Library | Edgar Village |
| LaVista Public Library | Homer Village |
| Lawrence Village | |
| Gresham Public Library | |
| Big Springs Public Library | |
| Faith Memorial Library | |
| Cedar Rapids Public Library | |
| Indianola Public Library | |
| Minatare Public Library | |
| Rushville Public Library | |
| Valentine Public Library |
The Little Free Library Mini-Grant Program is sponsored in part by the Nebraska Library Commission and supported by the Little Free Library Organization. Each grant recipient will receive promotional materials to help celebrate and publicize their new or enhanced community reading hub.
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.ailable on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
Posted in General, Grants, Library Management, Public Relations
Tagged grants, LFL, Library grants, Little free library
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2026 Infinite Sums Rural & Small Libraries Cohort Grant Program
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The Infinite Sums Rural & Small Libraries Cohort Grant Program is supported by the Simons Foundation as part of its Infinite Sums national initiative and offered in partnership with SciStarter. The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) is proud to offer this educational training experience and financial support to small and rural libraries across the U.S.
Fifteen library workers will be selected to receive $10,000 grants to host math inspired community-wide events for patrons of all ages on Pi Day, Infinity Day, and Fibonacci Day in 2026. Cohort members will attend monthly virtual training sessions and two in-person gatherings.Apply by September 30, 2025 for a chance to receive:
- $10,000 program grant
- A year-long learning cohort experience
- Support for events on Pi Day (3/14), Infinity Day (8/8), and Fibonacci Day (11/23) in 2026
- Two in-person gatherings (NYC & ARSL 2026 Conference in Montgomery, AL)
Who can apply:
- Public libraries in the U.S.
- Must serve a small and/or rural community
- ARSL membership not required
Don’t miss out – submit your application today at https://www.arsl.org/infinite-sums-grant
For questions about grant eligibility, email info@arsl.org
Posted in Education & Training, Grants, Youth Services
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Call for Speakers: Big Talk From Small Libraries 2026
The Call for Speakers for Big Talk From Small Libraries 2026 is now open!
Submit your proposal by Friday, December 12, 2025.
This free one-day online conference is tailored for staff from small libraries; the smaller the better!
Small libraries of all types – public, academic, school, museum, special, etc. – are encouraged to submit a proposal.
We’re looking for seven 50-minute presentations and four 10-minute “lightning round” presentations.
Do you offer a service or program at your small library that other librarians might like to hear about? Have you implemented a new (or old) technology, hosted an event, partnered with others in your community, or just done something really cool? The Big Talk From Small Libraries online conference gives you the opportunity to share what you’ve done, while learning what your colleagues in other small libraries are doing.
Here are some possible topics to get you thinking:
- Unique Libraries
- Special Collections
- New buildings
- Fundraising
- Improved Workflows
- Staff Development
- Advocacy Efforts
- Community Partnerships
- That great thing you’re doing at your library!
Speakers must be from small libraries or directly partnered with a small library and submitting a proposal to co-present with the library. Speakers from libraries serving fewer than 10,000 people will be preferred, but presentations from libraries with larger service populations will be considered.
Big Talk From Small Libraries 2026 will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 between 8:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT) via the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Speakers will present their programs from their own desktops. The schedule will accommodate speakers’ time-zones.
This conference is sponsored by the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) and the Nebraska Library Commission.
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
NCompass Live: NLC Grants for 2026
The Nebraska Library Commission has made funding available for four grants for 2026: Continuing Education & Training, Internship, Library Improvement, and Youth Grants for Excellence. Don’t let your library miss out on these opportunities!
Grant applications for all 2026 NLC grants will open on September 19 and will be due November 14, 2025.
Join Christa Porter, Sally Snyder, and Holli Duggan, from the Nebraska Library Commission’s Library Development Team, as they provide an overview of the grants, including eligibility requirements and grant guidelines, the application process and grant review, timelines and deadlines. They will also share some tips on writing effective grants.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
- Sept. 24 – Pretty Sweet Tech
- Oct. 1 – Letters About Literature 2025
- Oct. 8 – The Do’s and Don’ts of D&D
- Oct. 22 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – ENJOY NLA!
- Nov. 19 – Summer Reading Program 2026: Unearth a Story
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Fern V. Heim Trustee Scholarship for Public Library Board Members
Apply for an individual $500 scholarship to attend either the NLA 2025 Conference in York on October 22nd-24th or to the ARSL 2025 Conference in Albuquerque, NM on September 17th-20th!
The Fern V. Heim Scholarship for Trustees was established by her friend, Mary Louise Dutcher, to honor Fern’s dedication to small public libraries and their trustees. Although Fern’s library career began in special libraries (Head of the UNL Chemistry Department Library, Serials and Circulation Departments of UNL Love Library, and then Director of the Research Library at Goodrich Tire and Rubber in Akron, Ohio), her work at the Nebraska Library Commission was devoted to public libraries. Recognizing that few small library budgets could provide support for librarians, let alone their volunteer trustees, to attend professional meetings, she encouraged them to go whenever possible (at their own expense) if only for a portion of the meeting. As her legacy, it is fitting to assist those trustees through this scholarship program.
**This scholarship is open only to current Nebraska Public Library Board Members!**
The Fern V. Heim Scholarship Award was established to provide assistance to current public library board members with preference to members of the Nebraska Library Association Public Library and Trustee Section (PLTS) for attendance to the Nebraska Library Association Conference or the Association for Rural and Small Libraries Conference.
Applications now due by October 3, 2025!
For more details and application:
- Fern V. Heim Library Trustee Scholarship
- Grant Application
- NLA Conference Website
- ARSL Conference Website (in-person or virtual conference)
Please submit all grant application forms and questions to:
Holli Duggan
Posted in Grants, Public Library Boards of Trustees
Tagged ARSL, Board Members, CEgrants, conference, Fern Heim Scholarship, Grant, NLA, Trustees
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Lois Lenski Covey Foundation Bookmobile Grants
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
Through the Bookmobile Grant Program, the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation awards grants to organizations that operate a lending bookmobile that travels into neighborhoods populated by underserved youth. The grants are for purchasing books published for young people preschool through grade 8, Early Reader books through Young Adult and Hi-Lo books.
Bookmobiles operated by charitable [501(c)(3)] and other non-taxable agencies, including public libraries or schools, are eligible. The Foundation provides grants to organizations that serve economically or socially at-risk children, have limited book budgets, and demonstrate real need.
Grants range from $500 to $3000 and are specifically for book purchases, and cannot be used for administrative or operational uses.
Only hardcopy (paper) applications will be accepted by mail. A link to a downloadable application and detailed instructions for completing and sending the application are available at the Bookmobile Grant Application webpage.
2025 Applications must be postmarked by August 15, 2025.
Questions regarding the Foundation’s bookmobile grant program may be emailed to bookmobile@loislenskicovey.org.
About the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation
The purposes of the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation are to advance literacy and foster a love of reading among underserved and at-risk children and youth. Lois Lenski, celebrated author and illustrator of over one hundred children’s books and the 1946 Newbery medalist for Strawberry Girl, established the Foundation as a charitable institute in 1967. Since then the Foundation has assisted over 400 organizations in their efforts to nurture reading skills, gain access to books, and instill a love of reading.
Posted in Books & Reading, Grants, Youth Services
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