Library Lovers – It’s Time to Stand Up and Be Indexed!

Library Lovers – Have I got a book for you! Library Lovers may not always visit in large numbers, but they are certainly immense in their love of books. Libraries have so much to offer, but many people haven’t visited an actual library in years. What’s more, some folks have never been inside a library at all. Can you believe it?! GrantWatch wants to help change all that. One way is to provide listings of the dozens of grants available to help support libraries and give library lovers and others an idea of the breadth and scope of services that libraries offer. In fact, GrantWatch offers a list of close to 500 grants in its Literacy and Libraries grants category. The best part? Library lovers will be glad to know that there are library-related grants designed to aid libraries at both the local and national level.

Important Role of Libraries in Our Community

Libraries are free, and they offer a variety of resources that are accessible to everyone.

Libraries provide a sense of community. They’re a place where people can meet friends, study for exams, or relax. In today’s society, it’s more important than ever to have places where people can come together and connect.

Libraries are important for education. Most public libraries offer free classes on everything from computer skills to cooking. They also have extensive collections of books, movies, and music that you can borrow for free.

Libraries are a safe place for kids. According to the American Library Association, public libraries are one of the few places where kids can go without an adult. In addition, they offer activities and programs specifically designed for children, and most libraries have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment.

Libraries help preserve our history. Libraries are home to some of the world’s oldest manuscripts and documents. They also have extensive collections of photographs, maps, and other historical artifacts that would be otherwise unavailable to the public.

BiblioLifestyle.com, “10 Reasons Why Libraries Are Important“

More About the Importance of Libraries

Libraries provide access to technology. In addition to computers, most libraries now have e-readers, tablets and other devices you can borrow or use in the library. They also offer free Wi-Fi and internet access.

Libraries are a great place to find jobs and career advice. Most libraries have databases of job listings and resources like resume writing classes and interview tips.

Libraries play an essential role in local communities by providing access to information and resources, supporting literacy and education, promoting lifelong learning, and serving as a community gathering place.

BiblioLifestye.com, “10 Reasons Why Libraries Are Important”

Below is a list of Library-related grants and other support.

Library Grants, In-kind Donations and Awards

1. In-kind book donations to schools, Title 1 educators, and after-school programs to benefit low-income students. The purpose of the program is to provide teachers with additional resources to instill a love of learning and reading in their students. Grants will be awarded to the schools with the most creative and meaningful initiatives.
2. There are grants to libraries to reduce electricity costs. Funding is for the purpose of installing solar panels. Priority will be for libraries with new roofs that can accommodate the panels.
3. In addition, grants of up to $4,000 to eligible nonprofits, public libraries, and K-12 schools for programs that focus on student literacy. Funding is for organizations that provide literacy programs that target students who are below grade level readers. Organizations must provide direct literary services.
4. Grants of up to $10,000 to nonprofits, public schools, and libraries to support charitable causes. Funding is for the focus areas of Coronavirus (COVID-19) related issues, human services, disaster relief, and the environment. The Foundation accepts both program and project requests and operating grant requests. Activities are to be carried out anywhere in the world.
5. There is an award of $5,000 to an eligible school library to recognize humanities programming. Nominees are libraries in K-12 private and public schools. Program areas include social studies, poetry, drama, art, music, language arts, foreign language, and culture. Virtual programs are also eligible.

Additional Library Grants, In-kind Donations and Awards

1. Also awards to libraries for exceptional public relations programs. Examples of eligible programs include summer reading programs, rebranding efforts, promoting unique archives, community partnerships, and awareness campaigns. In recognition of their achievement, award winners receive a cash award from the Foundation. The Awards are presented at a reception held during the American Library Association annual conference.
2. Grants of up to $3,000 and in-kind donations of materials to nonprofit museums and libraries to preserve and exhibit collections. Funding supports project costs and may be used for supplies, display fabrication, publicity, and contract workers. The purpose of the program is to increase knowledge of glazing applications; preserve collections; promote equity, diversity, and inclusion; and encourage the involvement of conservators in museum and library collection projects. In addition to a cash award, applicants will also receive a donation of Optimum Museum Acrylic or UltraVue Laminated Glass.
3. There are grants to libraries, nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), schools, and hospitals for projects in the field of library-support. Grants are also for the fields of secondary and higher education, and healthcare. Funding is to be for capital projects and endowments.
4. In addition, an award to public library to recognize outstanding community impact. Award criteria include community engagement, promoting inclusion, and collaboration with local government. Other award criteria include community recognition, leadership development, environmental sustainability, and inventiveness. In addition to a cash prize, the winning library will also be profiled in the November issue of Library Journal and online.
5. Lastly, grants to nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and libraries to advance K-12 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education programs. Applicants must contact the funding source to obtain an invitation code to apply. Applications will be for both new and existing programs.

In Conclusion

We hope this will help convince you to join the ranks of library lovers who have gotten so many benefits from libraries! Read on!

About GrantWatch

With close to 8,000 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view the full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. To see the great value of all 20 of the top GrantWatch features, click here.

Please Note: There is no guarantee of grant awards as a result of this information.