91´«Ã½

CHICAGO — The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) invites library workers to apply for the inaugural , a programming grant named after the transformative 91´«Ã½ leader responsible for the creation of National Library Week and the Celebrity READ series.

The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant supports meaningful programs in libraries with limited programming budgets. Up to three grants of $2,500 will be awarded annually.

Applications for the 2021 award will be accepted from December 1, 2020, to February 5, 2021.

“Peggy was truly a force within 91´«Ã½ and in the library world, and her impacts are still being felt today,” said 91´«Ã½ President Julius C. Jefferson. “She passionately believed in the ability of libraries to change lives, especially through programming. It is fitting that her legacy will live on through this grant.”

The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant will support a different type of library programming each year. This year, libraries are invited to submit applications in support of humanities-based programming. The funding may be used to continue an existing program or create a new one.

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 OR the .

Barber served as 91´«Ã½'s associate executive director of communications from 1970 to 2000. In that role, she established 91´«Ã½’s Public Information Office, Public Programs Office and the 91´«Ã½ Graphics department. After leaving 91´«Ã½, she was a principal consultant with Library Communication Strategies and served as co-president of Friends of Libraries USA, now known as United for Libraries. She passed away in August 2019.

The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant was created with donations from Barber’s friends and colleagues. To support the grant, make a contribution to the within 91´«Ã½’s Cultural Communities Fund.

To stay informed about future grants and awards offered by 91´«Ã½’s Public Programs Office, sign up for the .

About the 91´«Ã½

The 91´«Ã½ is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with approximately 57,000 members in academic, public, school, government and special libraries. The mission of the 91´«Ã½ is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.