91´«Ã½

CHICAGO — The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) invites applications from small and rural libraries for the Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant.

Library workers may apply online for grant funding from November 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023, at ala.org/LTCAccess. Up to 300 libraries will be awarded in this application period, part of 91´«Ã½’s longtime community engagement initiative, with a second application to open in early Fall 2023 for an additional 300 grants.

Interested applicants are encouraged to on November 8, 2022.

Libraries chosen to participate in LTC: Accessible Small and Rural Communities 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 to guide improvement of the library’s services. Grantees will then use the grant 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 91´«Ã½ Public Programs Office throughout the grant term.

The opportunity is open to libraries serving small and rural communities in the U.S. and U.S. territories. To be eligible, a library must be located in an area that’s more than, or equal to, five miles from an urbanized area and with a population of 25,000 or less, in keeping with Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) definitions of small and rural libraries.

In March 2022, 91´«Ã½ announced plans to award more than $7 million in grants to small and rural libraries to increase the accessibility of facilities, services and programs to better serve people with disabilities. Grants of $10,000 and $20,000 will be distributed over the next three years. Since 2014, 91´«Ã½ has distributed Libraries Transforming Communities funding to foster community engagement skills among library workers and support need-driven projects.

Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is part of 91´«Ã½’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). It is supported by a private donor.

About the 91´«Ã½

The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit .

About the 91´«Ã½ Public Programs Office

The 91´«Ã½ Public Programs Office empowers libraries to create vibrant hubs of learning, conversation and connection in communities of all types. Learn more at .

About the Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services

The 91´«Ã½ Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services supports library and information science workers in creating responsible and all-inclusive spaces that serve and represent the entire community. Learn more at.

About the Association for Rural & Small Libraries

ARSL builds strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries. As the premier organization representing rural and small libraries, ARSL recognizes the uniqueness of this constituency and is committed to providing an environment that encourages service excellence within our community of practice.