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Library Grants (United for Libraries and Penguin Random House Grant for Rural and Small Libraries) is sponsored by United for Libraries (a division of the American Library Association) and Penguin Random House. This program awards grants to rural, small, and tribal libraries, including those in U. S.
territories, to support underserved communities. Grant funds assist Friends of Library groups with priority projects, and in-kind book donations are also provided.
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United for Libraries and Penguin Random House Grants to U.S. Rural and Small Libraries | United for Libraries United for Libraries and Penguin Random House Grants to U.S. Rural and Small Libraries The initiative will serve rural and small libraries in need across the country through grant funds, education, and in-depth training. Applications for the 2027 grants will be open from Dec. 8, 2026-Jan.
25, 2027. Penguin Random House and United for Libraries today announced a 2027 grant program serving rural and small libraries across the country. Grants of $500 and $1,000 (totaling $25,000), will be awarded to support libraries in need.
Specifically, grant funds will 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 will also be awarded to 20 libraries to purchase Penguin Random House titles.
The program has provided 61 cash grants totaling $50,000 and 40 in-kind book donations grants totaling $20,000 to Friends of the Library groups and libraries across 41 states and U.S. territories since 2025. Grants will be 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. Applications for the program will be open from Dec. 8, 2026-Jan.
25, 2027, and applicants will be notified by March 31, 2027. For libraries that are interested in applying but don’t know where to start, United for Libraries will present free virtual informational sessions in December and January that include an overview of the process, tips on applying, and past recipients sharing about their projects.
On-demand training includes a session on grant writing basics, and a session on how to start a Friends of the Library group (for libraries that do not currently have an active group); learn more and register .
In addition to a grant of $500 or $1,000, or a book donation grant, recipients will also receive complimentary eLearning from United for Libraries, including a year of access to United for Libraries Learning Live 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.
Recipients will also receive complimentary registration for Friends of the Library Day of the United for Libraries virtual conference (summer 2027) and United for Libraries Friends virtual retreat (spring 2028). Friends groups are core stakeholders in our libraries, inviting the community in and turning a shared love of libraries into meaningful support,” said Lauren Trujillo, 2026–2028 United for Libraries President.
“Through fundraising, advocacy, and building connections, Friends help communities shape and sustain strong libraries. These Penguin Random House grants, paired with United for Libraries training and resources, will help Friends serving small and rural communities welcome more people into this work and meet local needs.
Grant Information Sessions and Training Free training opportunities open to U.S. rural/small libraries and Friends groups in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and U.S. territories (Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). 2027 Grant Information Sessions (Live) Thrs. , Dec.
10, 2026, 12:00 pm Eastern Tues. , Jan. 5, 2027, 7:00 pm Eastern Two information sessions will be presented for those interested in applying for the Penguin Random House/United for Libraries grant program for Friends of the Library groups serving U.S. rural and small libraries.
Sessions will include an overview of the process, tips on applying, and a Q&A session. Register for a Grant Information Session Starting a Friends of the Library Group (On-Demand) Friends of the Library groups fundraise and advocate for the library, as well as increase community support. Learn how to begin the process of starting or restarting a Friends of the Library group.
Learn how to organize, recruit volunteers, pursue 501(c)(3) status, and develop a memorandum of understanding with the library. Register for On-Demand Access Grant Writing Basics for Small/Rural Libraries and/or Friends Groups (On-Demand) Friends of the Library can secure funding for the library by applying for grants.
Learn how small and/or rural libraries can get started with grant writing, including identifying grant opportunities, customizing applications, working with library staff, and crafting a narrative. Register for On-Demand Access
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Friends groups supporting a rural/small U. S. library in the 50 states, District of Columbia, or U. S. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows up to $1,000 (cash grants) or $500 (in-kind book donations). Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Applications for Library Grants (United for Libraries and Penguin Random House Grant for Rural and Small Libraries) are due January 25, 2027. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, and final submission checks.
Library Grants (United for Libraries and Penguin Random House Grant for Rural and Small Libraries) is funded by United for Libraries (a division of the American Library Association) and Penguin Random House. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in District of Columbia. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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