Best Library Grants in Illinois

Illinois library and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for programs that enhance library services, community safety, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and community vitality. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building in Union Pacific–served communities, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Illinois libraries, regional library systems, and recognized library organizations in Illinois can seek funding for technology, lifelong learning programs, and services for residents who have difficulty using libraries. With a mission to strengthen library services statewide, Illinois State Library Literacy Office provides support for innovation, community engagement, and improved access to information and ideas.

Illinois K-12 public schools with existing libraries that suffered significant damage to books, media, or equipment from a recent disaster can access funding through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Eligible schools must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center and within 36 months of the qualifying event.

Illinois libraries, schools, and nonprofit organizations can seek funding to create or expand summer reading programs for Pre-K–12 students, including new, below-grade-level, or learning-disabled readers. Grants from Dollar General Literacy Foundation provide up to US $3,000 for programs within 15 miles of a Dollar General store in eligible states, including Illinois.

Illinois libraries, schools, colleges, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering family literacy programs can receive up to US $10,000 for adult education, children’s education, and parent-child literacy time. Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations within 15 miles of a Dollar General store that are listed in the National Literacy Directory.

Illinois school library associations that are AASL Chapters can access funding for leadership development programs through the American Library Association’s ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant, with awards up to Up to US $1,750. Eligible projects may involve new member engagement, leader training, preparing school librarians as leaders, or fostering collaboration among organizations.

Certified public school librarians in the U.S. who have led “Strong School Libraries” marketing campaigns can receive US $1,000 travel scholarships to the AASL National Conference. Funded by the American Library Association, this award supports librarians, including those in Illinois, in sharing successful public awareness efforts through conference presentations and professional development contributions.

Illinois non-tenured faculty, dissertation-stage Ph.D. candidates, and independent scholars needing library services support can access funding through Harvard University’s Harvard-Yenching Library Travel Grant. Awards of US $2,000 help cover travel to use Harvard-Yenching Library collections, with priority for institutions lacking strong East Asian language library resources.

Rural public libraries rebuilding children’s departments after natural disasters can access funding for new hardcover children’s books, including in Illinois. Illinois library services in disaster-affected rural areas with limited operating budgets may be eligible for Pilcrow Foundation’s Children’s Book Project: Disaster Relief grant, which provides US $800 in in-kind support from a curated book list.

Libraries, library associations, and information science programs in Illinois developing reading lists, webliographies, indexes, or other library guides can receive up to US $5,000 for preparation and research costs. With a mission to support library services, American Library Association provides funding for projects focused on American libraries intended for broad, national distribution.

Illinois librarians who work with teens and provide library services can receive US $1,000 to attend the ALA Annual Conference for the first time. Focused on professional development, the American Library Association offers one award for a school librarian and one for a public librarian who are current ALA/YALSA members.

Black/African American youth or teen services public or school librarians in Illinois can receive travel support to attend the ALA Annual Conference through this program, with awards up to US $3,000. With a mission to support library services, American Library Association provides funding for travel, housing, registration, and the Coretta Scott King Awards Breakfast ticket.

Library staff with CHIS Level 1 or 2 certification at NNLM member organizations in Illinois can apply for National Network of Libraries of Medicine’s US $300 professional development award to deliver consumer health information classes. Funding supports rural and small libraries presenting NNLM CHIS training to community members or fellow librarians at no cost.

Illinois libraries, archives, and library science programs planning workforce development or training initiatives can access funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, with awards from US $75,000 - US $200,000. Planning grants support needs assessment, partnership development, and pilot curricula or prototypes that build capacity for current and future library and archival professionals nationwide.

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Forum:

In collaboration with Cummins Inc., the American Library Association (ALA) invites applications from U.S. public libraries to participate in A Year of STEM, 12 months of curated STEM programming to foster curiosity and STEM-mindedness in early childhood learners across the country. 

Twenty-five libraries will be chosen to participate in A Year of STEM, receiving professional development to prepare them for the project, copies of a newly created A Year of STEM programming guide developed by librarian advisors, a $5,000 programming stipend, four STEM kits (to be delivered quarterly), and support from ALA’s Public Programs Office staff throughout the project implementation period.

Focused on health information access, this opportunity invites Illinois library and information organizations to lead the Network of the National Library of Medicine Coordinating Center. Eligible institutions can seek up to US $1,500,000 to manage network-wide coordination, evaluation, communication, and public-facing platforms that support use of NLM and NIH health data resources across the U.S.

Libraries and information organizations supporting health information services in Illinois and other U.S. regions can seek funding to serve as the Network of the National Library of Medicine Training Center, with awards up to US $750,000. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports curriculum development, instructional design, and training on NLM and NIH biomedical information resources.

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Community-Centered Implementation

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

National Implementation

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Early Career Research

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Applied Research

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is seeking applications to establish Regional Medical Libraries within the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Since 1965, the NNLM has enhanced public health information access through partnerships with libraries and health organizations. The initiative aims to improve community engagement, disseminate NIH research findings, and foster collaborations to promote health literacy and access to biomedical data, thereby supporting local clinical research efforts.

Illinois library organizations can access funding through the Gladys Brooks Foundation for endowments, capital construction, and innovative equipment, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $150,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) public libraries and related institutions can propose major projects that expand resources, improve access to global information, and leverage collaborative technologies for patrons.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

Broadening Narratives

Broadening Narratives supports diverse stories and collections that expand our understanding of who we are. ​

Our Vision for Broadening Narratives

We work to ensure that those whose stories are being told through collections are included in the decisions about how those stories are told. We seek to broaden the kinds of narratives being told, particularly stories that have never been told, or have been told incompletely or inaccurately.  

This includes stories from culturally specific communities including people of color, LGBTQ+ perspectives, working-class experiences, and small community stories.

We support collections that tell stories that have not been told, have been told incompletely, or have been told inaccurately. We require that those whose stories are being told be included in the decision-making process.

What is broadening narratives?

Why collections? And what do you mean by “Broadening Narratives”? What drove this change in strategy and approach to your collections work? ​

Read this answer and more here.

The National Home Library Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in distributing books and reading materials to libraries and community groups with limited resources. This initiative aims to promote literacy and combat illiteracy among all ages through various programs. Grants are available only to tax-exempt organizations that adhere to non-discrimination policies. Preference is given to requests from the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas, with applications considered on a rolling basis.