Penguin Random House and United for Libraries announced during National Library Week, the 51 recipients of a new grant program serving rural and small libraries across the country.
The cash grants, totaling $25,000, are being awarded to support libraries in need - 19 cash grants of $1,000 and 12 cash grants of $500. Grant funds will assist Friends of Library groups, or nonprofit groups that support and fundraise for libraries in their communities, with priority projects, including summer reading programs for youth, outreach to seniors, bookmobile improvements, technology upgrades, Friends group development, and more. In addition to the cash grants awarded, 20 in-kind book donation grants of $500 are being awarded to 20 libraries to purchase Penguin Random House titles.
Grants are administered by United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, whose mission is to support those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for all types of libraries. Grant funding is provided by Penguin Random House.
'United for Libraries received a huge response to this grant program, which demonstrated just how much Friends and library support organizations do for their libraries and communities,” said 2024-2026 United for Libraries President Deborah Doyle. “These grants will empower rural and small libraries across the country to make a big impact locally, and to access United for Libraries resources on advocacy and fundraising to continue to support their libraries at this critical time.”
Recipients of $1,000 cash grants are: Friends of Nesbitt Memorial Library (Columbus, Texas).
Recipients of $500 cash grants are: Friends of the Sundown (Texas) Library & Parks Group.