National Library Lovers’ Month: 10 Grants to Support Libraries

February might be the shortest month of the year, but there is no shortage of celebration and history during the 28, sometimes 29, days of the month. Not only does the beginning of February signify the start of Black History Month, but it also indicates the imminent arrival of Groundhog’s Day, Super Bowl Sunday, Valentine’s Day, and President’s Day. However, another in the month of February that is often overlooked is National Library Lovers’ Month.

National Library Lovers’ Month recognizes the importance of libraries and what they bring to their communities. This includes school libraries, as well as public libraries. According to the American Library Association (ALA), there are roughly 116,867 libraries of all kinds in the United States today. These buildings are a safe space for many people — a place to learn, grow, and develop skills. Libraries provide the public with many free resources. For many individuals, this might be the only access to the internet that they have.

For these reasons, it is important that libraries get the continued funding they need to operate. GrantWatch.com has a category specifically for Literacy & Libraries. In appreciation of National Library Lovers’ Month, GrantWatch is sharing 10 of these grant opportunities.

This month-long holiday is also a great time to revive your love for reading and to bring loved ones along for the journey. Below, are a few ways to celebrate the month.

How to Celebrate National Library Lovers‘ Month

• Set aside time to visit your own local library.
• Reach out to a library about volunteering.
• Read a new book.
• Share your favorite memory at a library on social media along with the hashtag, #NationalLibraryLovers’Month.
• Start a book club or join an already existing book club.
• Donate any old books you might have to a library, classroom, or nonprofit.

10 Grants that Provide Funding for Libraries

1. In-kind donations of new books valued at $800 are available to libraries in rural areas that have been impacted by natural disasters. 
2. Awards of $1,500 are available to a library or library system for the creation of a new reference tool to benefit patrons.
3. Grants of $500 are also available to community organizations and libraries serving families and children for storytelling programs.
4. Opportunities exist for library workers and Library and Information Science students to participate in a data service training program. 
5. Additionally, in-kind grants of new children’s books are available to USA public and tribal libraries in rural areas. 
6. There are in-kind donations of books for USA nonprofits, schools, colleges and universities, museums and libraries, and local, state, and federal government agencies to build library collections.
7. Grants of up to $500 are also open to USA and Canada schools and public libraries to develop gaming collections and programs for their local communities.
8. USA school libraries can apply for an award of $5,000 to recognize outstanding humanities programming.
9. Additionally, awards are available to a USA public library to recognize outstanding community impact. 
10. Opportunities are also offered for librarians and library workers to receive professional development training to improve public access to health information.

GrantNews Notes

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