Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2026)

Background
The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21) is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It aims to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations. The LB21 program specifically focuses on building a library and archival workforce that meets the information needs of communities while enhancing the institutional capacity of libraries and archives across the United States. This initiative aligns with the national celebration of America's 250th anniversary of independence, emphasizing libraries as civic centers for education and culture.

Grant Details
The LB21 program supports projects that provide training and professional development for library and archives professionals, develop faculty and information leaders, and recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. Projects should aim to:
1) Engage communities in understanding American history;
2) Connect workers with employers through skills training;
3) Promote health services;
4) Build partnerships with civic institutions;
5) Facilitate family-friendly programming;
6) Utilize new technologies to enhance library services;
7) Foster civil dialogue reflecting constitutional rights.

Eligible project types include Planning, Forum, Community-Centered Implementation, National Implementation, Early Career Research, and Applied Research. Each project type has specific characteristics that must be adhered to.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must be located in the U.S. or its territories. They can include state or local government units or private nonprofit organizations. Applicants must qualify as one of seven types of organizations such as libraries, academic institutions, digital libraries or archives, governmental agencies responsible for library services, or nonprofit organizations affiliated with libraries. Native American Tribal organizations are encouraged to apply.

Period of Performance
Projects may be carried out for one to three years based on the selected project type. The anticipated start date for new awards is September 1, 2026.

Grant Value
IMLS expects to award a total of $8,500,000 through this announcement with an anticipated number of awards being approximately 35. Award amounts vary by project type:
- Planning ($75,000 - $200,000)
- Forum ($75,000 - $200,000)
- Community-Centered Implementation ($25,000 - $100,000)
- National Implementation ($75,000 - $1,000,000)
- Early Career Research ($75,000 - $750,000)
- Applied Research ($75,000 - $750,000).

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed in various locations across the United States where eligible organizations are situated.