Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2027)

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 through grantmaking, research, and policy development. The LB21 program specifically focuses on building a library and archival workforce capable of meeting the information needs of diverse communities while enhancing the institutional capacity of libraries and library science graduate programs across the United States.

The program encourages innovative approaches to librarian education and credentialing, aiming to recruit and retain a new generation of library professionals.

Grant Details
The LB21 program supports projects that include: exploring alternative pathways into library services; utilizing cutting-edge tools for continuing education; providing professional development for library staff; developing faculty and information leaders; and recruiting future librarians. Projects should address community needs by fostering partnerships with civic institutions, leveraging libraries' roles in workforce development, promoting health services, facilitating family-friendly programming, and creatively using technology such as artificial intelligence.

The program has specific goals including recruiting future professionals and training current staff to meet community needs effectively.

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. Specific qualifying organizations include libraries, academic institutions with library science programs, digital libraries that provide public access to materials under professional supervision, library consortia, associations serving libraries or archives, and nonprofit organizations affiliated with libraries. Institutions serving rural communities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance for funded projects is from August 1, 2027, to July 31, 2030. Projects may last between one to three years depending on their type.

Grant Value
IMLS expects to award a total of $8,500,000 through this announcement with an anticipated number of awards totaling approximately 35. Award amounts will vary based on project type:
- Planning and Forum projects can receive between $75,000 - $200,000;
- Community-Centered Implementation projects can receive $25,000 - $100,000;
- National Implementation projects can receive $75,000 - $1,000,000;
- Early Career Research projects can receive $75,000 - $750,000;
- Applied Research projects can receive $75,000 - $750,000.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed within the United States or its territories.