Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Focus on Small and Rural Libraries is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) that seeks to provide community engagement resources and opportunities specific to the needs of library workers serving small and rural communities.

Community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with community members – be they library patrons, residents, faculty, students or partner organizations – to address issues for the betterment of the community. 

The goal of these grants is to:

• Teach library workers facilitation skills, through the LTC: Facilitation Skills for Small and Rural Libraries asynchronous six-part e-course and facilitation guide, to lead a community conversation
• Provide flexible funding to support libraries’ community engagement efforts

Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries 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.

Up to 100 libraries will be selected in this application period (June – September 2021). THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021.

Libraries selected for funding will receive:

• $3,000 to support costs related to their community engagement project
• Professional development consisting of the LTC: Facilitation Skills for Small and Rural Libraries asynchronous e-course and facilitation guide (required for all project directors)
• A suite of online resources developed to support local programs including template press releases, social media messaging, logos, digital promotional materials and template letters that can be used to notify local leaders/officials about the library’s project.
• Technical and project support from the ALA Public Programs Office throughout the grant term, such as access to:
  • Online learning opportunities for grantees intended to assist project directors in promoting their conversation, completing grant reporting requirements and participating in evaluation
  • Community of practice for project directors and staff

Visit http://www.ala.org/tools/librariestransform/libraries-transforming-communities/focusgrants for complete grant details.