Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2025)

Background
The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21) supports the training and professional development of library and archives professionals; developing faculty and information leaders; and recruiting, educating, and retaining the next generation of library and archives professionals in order to develop a diverse library and archival workforce and meet the information needs of their communities.

Grant Details
The LB21 Program supports the recruitment, development, and retention of a diverse workforce of library and archives professionals to meet the information needs of their communities. Projects can support the recruitment, training, education, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library archives workforce. The program has two program goals: Recruit and educate future library and archives professionals, faculty, and staff; Support projects that provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals; develop faculty and information leaders; recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals.

Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an award under the LB21 Program, organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria including being a unit of State, local, or Tribal government or a private nonprofit organization located in certain geographic locations. Additionally, organizations must qualify as one of six types of organizations such as libraries or parent organizations responsible for the administration of a library. Native American Tribal organizations may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements. Partnerships or collaborations are welcome in applications.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance for new awards is from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2028. Project activities may be carried out for one to three years based on the selected project type.

Grant Value
IMLS expects to award a total amount of $8,500,000 through this announcement with an anticipated number of 45 awards. The expected amount of individual awards varies based on project type with an average amount of funding per award experienced in previous years being $277,907.

Place of Performance
Projects funded under the LB21 Program are expected to be performed in various locations across the United States including but not limited to public libraries, private or other special libraries, public elementary and secondary school libraries, tribal libraries, college (including community college) and university libraries.