The American Library Association (ALA) announced the second funding round of its Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Focus on Small and Rural Libraries grants, that will distribute an additional $1.4 million to libraries.
Up to 450 grants will be awarded in Round 2 of ALA’s community engagement funding initiative. Library workers may apply online for grant funding by March 4 at ala.org/LTC.
Participating libraries will receive training in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to 21st-century librarianship. Library workers will complete a free ALA e-course on basic facilitation skills; host at least one conversation with community members on a chosen topic; and receive $3,000 to support community engagement efforts. Grant funds may cover a range of expenses, including staff time and collections and technology purchases.
The first 200 grant recipients — public, academic, school and tribal libraries — represent 43 states. View the full list.
The opportunity is open to libraries serving small and/or rural communities in the U.S. and U.S. territories. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) defines small communities as those with a legal service area population of 25,000 or less and rural communities as those more than, or equal to, five miles from an urbanized area.
Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries is offered in partnership with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL).
Find more information and apply on the ALA website.