Most of our members are in small and/or rural libraries. We have talked many times about the organization The Association for Small And Rural Libraries – it’s filled with library people just like you! (It’s nice to know that other people have the same challenges and successes that you do.)

And now: they are giving away a grant!

Check out their grant application. And if you want to talk about it, you can always email me: mary@cmle.org; I’m here to help you with the application, with the idea you are using, or whatever else you need.

Here is their information:

Through the generosity of Penguin Random House, we are pleased to announce this grant opportunity for small, rural libraries nationwide! This grant is available to libraries that meet both the IMLS definition for small libraries (a service population of 25,000 or fewer) and the definition for rural libraries (libraries located 5 or more miles from the nearest town of 25k or more).

Applicants may request:

• One (1) monetary grant in support of a community-oriented project for up to $1,000.

          or

• An in-kind grant donation of up to $1,000 in equivalent value to support a circulating collection in your library.

Grant FAQ

Apply for Grant

• Applications may be submitted beginning November 28, 2022.
• Deadline for applications is December 12, 2022.
• Notifications of funding decision will be sent to applicants by January 27, 2023.
• Funded projects must be completed by December 31, 2023.
• Project reports must be submitted by February 1, 2024.

 The program will award grants to libraries that demonstrate a true need. Monetary grants are not limited to literacy and may be used for everything from library programming and books to resources like hotspots that help community members access important information. Library seeking support for digital collections should request a monetary grant.