Library Transformation Grant

Library Transformation Grant is sponsored by Tocker Foundation. This program helps rural libraries rethink and recreate space for today's uses with flexibility for future changes, which can include enhancing areas for literacy programs and access to books.

Library Transformation Grant | Tocker Foundation Fairfield Library | Fairfield, TX Library Transformation Grant $100,000 grants reserved for those libraries ready to hit the ‘refresh’ button. Grant recipients describe the transformation furing a tour of their remodeled library. Revitalizing Rural Libraries Many rural libraries look much the same as they did 20, 30 even 40 years ago when they were first created.

Our Transformation Grant process gives these libraries the opportunity to rethink and refurnish their entire space to reflect the ways that libraries are used today while providing flexibility for the future. Our goal is to combine the Foundation's objectives and 21st Century best practices with the library's objectives and ultimately, expand the impact of the grant.

Architectural Partnership We accomplish this ambitious task by pairing the library’s staff and leadership with an architect who has years of experience designing libraries. A core feature of this process is a commitment to key design principles of a modern library as represented by the architect, combined with the goals and input of the local community.

This is how each project maintains current library standards while reflecting the uniqueness of each community. The scope, width, professionalism of the Tocker Foundation's Transformation Initiative was beyond anything I had ever heard of from a foundation. We were given a new way to envision our library.

These beginnings of change increase our joy in the daily work with all citizens. The Tocker Foundation is a shining example of a group that supports and enriches our communities. Successful libraries produce successful individuals.

Allen Memorial Library | Hawkins, TX Goliad Public Library | Goliad, TX Seagraves Branch | Gaines County Library Collaborating for maximum impact Success of Transformation Grants is dependent on this unique partnership between the Foundation and the library’s leadership. This type of time-intensive project is typically not something the average rural librarian has experience with and understandably, can be intimidating.

With technical assistance and Foundation support, the process is elevated from a transaction to a team effort designed to get you from start to ‘Wow! ’ Libraries that have completed a transformation grant report dramatic increases in circulation and program attendance, demand for new programming and materials, and increase in the facility’s use as a public space. Ready to transform your library?

Start the conversation with Foundation staff today. Let’s determine if our Transformation Grant is the right fit for your community. Due to the unique nature of each project, we use this preliminary conversation to determine eligibility.

Consequently, access to the application in our portal is restricted. Act now to meet the biannual grant deadlines in January and June – the first step towards unlocking the potential for positive change in your library awaits!