The American Library Association (ALA) invites libraries in small and rural communities to apply for grant funding to help them address issues of concern in their communities.

Up to 650 U.S. libraries in small and rural communities will receive $3,000 each to tackle issues ranging from media literacy to COVID-19 safety to unemployment. Grants will be awarded in two waves in 2020 and 2021.

The American Library Association (ALA) opened applications for Virtual Learning and Enhancement Grants of $1,000 available for 90 school, tribal, public, and academic libraries. In response to increased demand for technical skills to lead and participate in virtual education during the COVID-19 health emergency, the Virtual Learning and Enhancement Grants focus on digital skill development of library staff and patrons.

Monetary Amount: Three papers will be selected and each author will receive a $350 grant

The AASL Research Grant recognizes excellence in manuscripts addressing a persistent and recurring challenge in the field of school librarianship. The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), through the Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS), will invite submissions of papers on original research with this focus.

Monetary Amount: up to $2,000

Through a special offering of its Inspire Collection Development Grant, made possible through the generous support of Marina “Marney” Welmers, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL)  will offer grants to specifically address collection loss and remote access requirements due to COVID-19 school closures. To help meet the needs of school libraries making the fall return to learning, applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on September 30, 2020.

AWARD AMOUNT: up to 0.75/student or $750 minimum

Offered by the Illinois State Library, the School District Library Grant Program is designed to help provide more library books and materials for the students of public schools in Illinois.

Grant applications are due annually October 15.

For more information and to apply, visit the ISL website: https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/grants/schoolpercapgrant.html

FOR: Public Libraries, School Districts and Community Colleges  

AWARD AMOUNT: $10,000.00 per agency 

The Digital Network Access for Illinois Libraries offering provides Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grant funds to support the role of libraries in responding to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by expanding digital network access.

FOR: Public Libraries and School Districts  

AWARD AMOUNT: Up to $4,900.00 per agency 

The American Library Association (ALA) invites library workers to apply to be part of Resilient Communities: Libraries Respond to Climate Change, a pilot program to help public and academic libraries engage their communities in programs and conversations that address the climate change crisis. 

The program supports developing a diverse workforce of librarians to better meet the changing learning and information needs of the American public by enhancing the training and professional development of library and archives professionals; developing faculty and library leaders; and recruiting, educating, and retaining the next generation of library and archives professionals.