91´«Ã½

CHICAGO — The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), with $200,000 in support from the Ford Foundation, announces its latest initiative Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Community Catalysts: Libraries as Leaders in Bridging Divides.

Building on the success of Libraries Transforming Communities, which launched in 2014 and has provided millions in funding to support community-focused projects nationwide, the Community Catalysts project continues 91´«Ã½’s commitment to empowering library workers. LTC has played a pivotal role in equipping libraries with the tools to engage communities meaningfully, and this new project aims to take it even further.

Community Catalysts seeks to strengthen community cohesion, promote civic engagement, and enhance critical thinking skills, positioning libraries as vital spaces for constructive dialogue and inclusion. As part of the project, 91´«Ã½ will offer a free e-course and comprehensive guide to help library workers lead community conversations on polarizing issues with the goal of bridging divides in their communities. The resources will be freely available to library workers by December 2025.

This project was made possible by the Ford Foundation. The Ford Foundation is an independent organization working to address inequality and build a future grounded in justice. For more than 85 years, it has supported visionaries on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. Today, with an endowment of $16 billion, the foundation has headquarters in New York and 10 regional offices across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

About the 91´«Ã½ Public Programs Office

The 91´«Ã½ (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 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 ala.org.