Hi All,
The fourth round of the Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant has opened for applications now through December 11. This grant has made a huge impact in many communities and is awarded at either the $10,000 or $20,000 amount. Sharing the press release if you'd like to include the link in any outreach messaging. The body of the press release is also below:
The American Library Association (ALA) invites applications from small and rural libraries for the fourth round of funding of the Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant, which is anticipated to be the final round of funding. As the largest grant initiative in ALA history, $3.5 million in grants will be given to small and rural libraries to increase the accessibility of facilities, services and programs to better serve people with disabilities.
In March 2025, ALA announced 300 libraries selected for round three funding, bringing the total number of libraries to 662, representing 48 U.S. states and the Northern Mariana Islands. View the full list of grantees awarded.
Library workers may now apply online from September 11, 2025, to December 11, 2025, at ala.org/LTCAccess. Up to 300 libraries will be awarded in this application period. Libraries that have been awarded in previous rounds of funding are eligible to apply. Note that prioritization will be given to applicants not previously awarded.
Interested applicants can register for a pre-application webinar on October 1, 2025, at 1:00 pm CST.
Libraries selected for round four 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 ALA Public Programs Office throughout the grant term.
To see what previous LTC: Access grantees have done with grant funding, see the case study page on the ALA website.
Libraries chosen to participate in LTC: Accessible Small and Rural Communities will first conduct community input-gathering sessions to ensure that their work aligns with local disability community needs. Libraries will be required to identify the primary audience they are hoping to reach (e.g., older adults with mobility disabilities, children with autism, Deaf community members) and facilitate a community conversation with the impacted patron group 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.
Applicants are advised to review the full project guidelines and review application resources, including successful application examples from previous rounds.
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.
Since 2014, ALA 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 ALA'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 American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves 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 www.ala.org.
About the ALA Public Programs Office
The ALA Public Programs Office empowers libraries to create vibrant hubs of learning, conversation and connection in communities of all types. Learn more at www.ala.org/ppo.
About the Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services
The ALA 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 www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/diversity.
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.
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Hillary Pearson
she/her/hers
Program Manager, Accessibility Services, Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS)
American Library Association
P: (312) 280-5020
hpearson@ala.orgwww.ala.org |
www.ala.org/diversity------------------------------