U.S. Library Grants

In 2025, a pivotal year for libraries nationwide, Penguin Random House and United for Libraries announced a grant program serving rural and small libraries across the country. Through this program, grants of $500 and $1,000 (totaling $25,000) are awarded to libraries in need. Specifically, grant funds assist Friends of Library groups, or nonprofit groups that support and fundraise for libraries in their communities, with priority projects. In-kind book donation grants of $500 are also awarded to 20 libraries to purchase Penguin Random House titles.

As the freedom to read faces growing threats through book bans and censorship efforts, public libraries, especially in rural areas—need additional resources and advocacy support. According to the American Library Association, 2024 saw 821 attempts to censor books and materials, marking the third-highest number of book challenges since tracking began in 1990.

Applications opened December 17, 2025, and closed January 21, 2026. Winners were announced in April.

Recipients of a $500 or $1,000 grant also receive complimentary eLearning from United for Libraries, including a year of access to United for Libraries Learning Live monthly webinars which present in-depth training to library Trustees/Board Members, Friends, Foundations, advocates, and those who work with them, and training on how to leverage the grant funds to build support for the library and the Friends group.

For more information about the library grant program, visit www.ala.org/united/prhgrant.