Penguin Random House and United for Libraries announced today, during National Library Week, 51 recipients of a new grant program serving rural and small libraries across the country. Storm Lake Public Library is among 19 recipients of a $1,000 cash grant, and the is the only library in Iowa awarded a cash grant.
The grants are being awarded to support libraries in need. Grant funds will assist Friends of the Library groups, or nonprofit groups that support and fundraise for libraries in their communities. The funds are earmarked for priority projects, including summer reading programs for youth, outreach to seniors, bookmobile improvements, technology upgrades, Friends group development, and more
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.
Grant recipients 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 or board members, Friends board members, foundations, advocates, and those who work with them. Training will help these leaders to leverage grant funds to build support for the library and the Friends group. Additional training is grant writing is available.
"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.”
“During a time when the future of public libraries is under attack, our collaboration with United for Libraries is more important than ever as we work together to support these vital institutions and ensure that every American has the right to access the resources they need to thrive,” said Skip Dye, Senior Vice President of Library Sales and Digital Strategy at Penguin Random House. “Small and rural libraries in particular are essential to their communities and we are thankful to have the opportunity to provide them with this meaningful support.”