91´«Ã½

CHICAGO — The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) invites library workers to apply for the fifth annual , 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 is an annual grant offered by 91´«Ã½’s Public Programs Office that recognizes, promotes and supports meaningful programs in libraries that have limited and/or no access to budgetary support for programming. This grant aims to help ease budget challenges by annually awarding up to three libraries $2,500 to support a proposed program, program series or programming effort.

Applications for the award will be accepted from December 2, 2024, to February 3, 2025.

Each year, the grant focuses on supporting a specific type of library programming. For the 2024 – 2025 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications for programming related to combatting isolation for older adults.

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 .

Last year’s winners of the Peggy Barber Tribute Grant were the Library System of Bradford County (New Albany, Penn.), Danbury (Conn.) Public Library and Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Libraries (Mount Pleasant, Mich.) The awarded library programs focused on civic education.

Peggy 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 2025 Peggy Barber Tribute Grant is generously supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation, a private, nonpartisan, national philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults. A leader in the field of aging and health, the Foundation has three priority areas: creating age-friendly health systems, supporting family caregivers, and improving serious illness and end-of-life care. Learn more at .

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 (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 .