Best Library Grants in New Mexico

Individuals affiliated with NNLM member libraries and institutions in New Mexico can receive US $2,500 for professional development in health information access, data science, and related library services. National Library of Medicine funding supports workshops, conferences, CE events, speakers, and student training that strengthen capacity to deliver reliable health information, especially for underserved communities.

Cities, towns, villages, 501(c)(3) organizations, and local committees in New Mexico without an existing library can apply for the New Mexico State Library’s Rural Libraries Program Library Establishment Grants to start public or tribal public rural libraries. Funding supports collections, staff salaries, professional development, equipment, operations, and some capital needs, with all funds spent by June 30 each fiscal year.

With a mission to strengthen library services, New Mexico State Library provides New Mexico public libraries with funding to support and expand services in rural communities. Rural libraries seeking to enhance access to information, programs, or resources for local residents may be eligible under the Rural Libraries Program (RLP) Grant.

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

Public libraries, schools, colleges, universities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 20 miles of a Dollar General store can apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s youth literacy grants, offering up to US $5,000 to support K–12 readers. New Mexico library programs may use funds to expand literacy services, buy books, materials, or technology.

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

New Mexico libraries and other eligible literacy-focused organizations offering family literacy services can receive up to US $10,000 to support adult education, children’s education, and parent–child together time. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation funds 501(c)(3)s, schools, colleges, and public libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store in participating states.

Public libraries, schools, colleges, universities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New Mexico can receive funding for adult basic education, GED or high school equivalency preparation, and English language acquisition programs. Focused on adult literacy, Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers up to US $10,000 to organizations within 15 miles of its stores that are listed in the National Literacy Directory.

Libraries, archives, and library science programs in New Mexico can seek funding to convene forums that strengthen the library and archival workforce and institutional capacity. The Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Forum Grants support national expert convenings, reports, and other widely shared deliverables, with awards ranging from US $75,000 - US $200,000.

New Mexico library and archival organizations can access funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services to plan workforce development and capacity-building projects. Grants of US $75,000 - US $200,000 support needs assessments, partnership development, and designing curricula or pilot studies that strengthen training, education, and retention of current and future library and archives professionals.

Rural and small library staff in New Mexico can apply for National Network of Libraries of Medicine’s CHIS Training Award, offering US $300 for delivering trustworthy health information training in their communities. Applicants must hold CHIS Level 1 or 2 and be affiliated with an NNLM member organization; University of Utah affiliates cannot receive funding.

Black/African American youth or teen services public or school librarians, including those serving New Mexico, can receive up to US $3,000 for travel, housing, registration, and CSK Awards Breakfast costs to attend the ALA Annual Conference. With a mission to support library services, American Library Association provides this annual professional development opportunity nationwide.

Librarians who work with teens and provide library services in New Mexico can apply for the Baker and Taylor YALSA Conference Grant, which offers US $1,000 to attend the ALA Annual Conference for the first time. Administered by the American Library Association, it supports both school and public librarians serving young adults.

Libraries, library organizations, and individuals creating reading lists, indexes, or other library resource guides can receive up to US $5,000 for project preparation costs in the U.S., including New Mexico. With a mission to support library services, American Library Association provides funding for projects focused on American libraries intended for broad, national distribution.

New Mexico rural public libraries with limited budgets and plans to rebuild children’s departments after natural disasters can receive in-kind children’s books through this program. Libraries qualify individually and, if awarded, select US $800 in new, quality, hardcover children’s books from the Pilcrow Foundation’s curated list without needing local matching funds.

New Mexico 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 the Harvard-Yenching Library collections, with merit-based grants to be used by August 31, 2026.

The Toor Scholarship for Strong Public-School Libraries, established by the Toor Family, honors the legacy of Jay and Ruth Toor, who advocated for state-certified librarians in every school. This scholarship supports U.S. public school librarians who create local marketing campaigns to promote their libraries as vital community resources. Each recipient receives a $1,000 stipend to attend the AASL National Conference and must present their project, contributing to the advancement of school librarianship.

Libraries, archives, and library science programs in New Mexico can seek funding to recruit, educate, train, and retain library and archival professionals. With a mission to strengthen the library and archival workforce, the Institute of Museum and Library Services provides US $25,000 - US $100,000 for community-centered projects that adapt proven models and share tools and lessons nationally.

Libraries, archives, and library science programs in New Mexico and nationwide can apply for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian National Implementation Grants, awarding US $75,000 - US $1,000,000 for workforce development projects. Grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services help expand training, education, and tools that strengthen library and archival services at scale.

Library and information science faculty conducting early career research on library services or archives, including those in New Mexico, can apply for US $75,000 - US $750,000 to support 1–3 year projects. Focused on workforce development and institutional capacity, the Institute of Museum and Library Services funds research that advances training, education, and leadership in libraries and archives 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

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.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is seeking applications for a Training Center under the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). This initiative aims to enhance professional development for librarians, community engagement, and access to health information. By fostering partnerships and disseminating NIH resources, the NNLM will broaden its impact and improve public understanding of health data and information. The NTC will develop innovative training curricula and materials to meet diverse audience needs.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is inviting applications for its Coordinating Center within the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Established in 1965, the NNLM enhances public access to health information through collaboration with libraries and community organizations. The NCC will oversee network administration and evaluation, fostering partnerships and supporting local clinical research. This initiative aims to expand NIH engagement and improve public understanding of health resources and information available through the NNLM.

The Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative, under the Teaching with Primary Sources program, aims to empower organizations in the U.S. and its territories to create innovative projects that leverage digitized primary sources from the Library of Congress. This initiative, named after Reps. Lewis and Houghton, promotes education in civics, democracy, and history, fostering critical thinking and literacy among students. Grants will be awarded based on the proposal's alignment with these educational goals, enhancing community engagement.

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.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.