Best Library Grants in South Carolina

South Carolina K-12 public schools with existing libraries that suffered significant library damage from recent disasters 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 use funds to restore books, media, and essential library equipment.

Public library systems in South Carolina can apply for South Carolina State Library’s LSTA Impact Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $50,000 for outcome-based projects. Funding can support preservation and digitization efforts or improve service to patrons with access difficulties through bookmobiles, outreach vehicles, or book lockers.

Public libraries and other eligible organizations in South Carolina can receive up to US $5,000 to support K–12 youth literacy programs, including struggling readers and English language learners. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation funds new or expanded literacy initiatives, technology and equipment, and books or software for library-based literacy services within 20 miles of a Dollar General store.

South Carolina libraries and other eligible organizations can receive up to US $10,000 to provide adult basic education, GED or high school equivalency preparation, and English language acquisition services. Focused on adult literacy, Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports direct-service programs within 15 miles of a Dollar General store in participating states.

Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports family literacy programs in South Carolina by funding nonprofits, schools, colleges, and public libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. Eligible organizations must offer adult education, children’s education, and parent-child together time and be listed in the National Literacy Directory; awards are up to US $10,000.

Grants support South Carolina libraries, schools, and nonprofits creating or expanding summer reading programs for Pre-K–12 students, including new, below-grade-level, and students with learning disabilities. Grants from Dollar General Literacy Foundation help eligible organizations within 15 miles of a Dollar General store in participating states with awards up to US $3,000.

The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant, provided by the American Library Association, aims to support innovative community engagement projects in libraries. This annual grant awards $2,000 to two selected libraries, focusing on themes of community empowerment. Eligible applicants include various library types in the U.S. and U.S. territories, and projects must demonstrate community collaboration and creativity. Libraries are encouraged to submit proposals that reflect local needs and foster civic participation.

South Carolina school library associations that are AASL Chapters can access funding to plan and implement leadership development programs. Offered through the American Library Association, this grant supports initiatives that engage new members, train ongoing leaders, build school librarian leadership capacity, and foster collaboration, with awards up to US $1,750.

Certified public school librarians in the U.S. who run library services marketing campaigns can receive $1,000 travel support to the AASL National Conference, including those in South Carolina. The American Library Association offers this scholarship for librarians who have implemented “Strong School Libraries” public awareness campaigns and are willing to present and share their work professionally.

South Carolina library researchers and scholars needing access to East Asian collections can apply for Harvard University's Harvard-Yenching Library Travel Grant, which provides US $2,000 for travel to use its library resources. Eligible applicants include non-tenured faculty, dissertation-writing Ph.D. candidates (ABDs), and independent scholars, with priority for institutions lacking major East Asian language collections.

South Carolina rural public libraries with limited budgets rebuilding children’s departments after natural disasters can access funding through the Pilcrow Foundation’s Disaster Relief Grant. Eligible U.S. libraries receive US $800 in in-kind support as new, quality, hardcover children’s books selected from the foundation’s approved list, with no local matching funds required.

With a mission to support library resource guides, American Library Association provides South Carolina library professionals and organizations with funding to develop reading lists, webliographies, indexes, and similar tools. Projects must focus on American libraries, stimulate use of library resources, be intended for national distribution, and may receive up to US $5,000 for preparation and research costs.

Focused on library services, the American Library Association invites South Carolina librarians who work with teens to apply for professional development support to attend the ALA Annual Conference. Eligible applicants are current ALA/YALSA personal members in the U.S. with 1–10 years’ teen services experience and no prior Annual Conference attendance, with $1,000 awards available.

Black/African American youth or teen services public or school librarians, including those serving South Carolina, can receive travel support to attend the ALA Annual Conference. With a mission to support library services, American Library Association provides up to US $3,000 for travel, housing, registration, and a Coretta Scott King Awards Breakfast ticket.

Rural and small library staff in South Carolina who hold CHIS Level 1 or 2 and are affiliated with an NNLM member organization can apply for National Network of Libraries of Medicine’s US $300 professional development award. Funding supports delivering NNLM CHIS health information classes to local library or association audiences across the U.S.

South Carolina library and archives organizations can access funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services to plan workforce development and capacity-building projects. This national program offers US $75,000 - US $200,000 for 1–2 year planning efforts such as needs assessments, partnership development, curricula design, and pilot studies that prepare for future implementation or 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

Forum:

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

South Carolina library systems, health sciences libraries, and information organizations working in health information services can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to serve as Regional Medical Libraries. Awards up to US $600,000 support biomedical health information dissemination, data literacy, professional development for librarians, and outreach that expands public engagement with NIH and National Library of Medicine resources nationwide.

Libraries, information centers, and related organizations developing biomedical and health information training programs in the U.S. and territories, including South Carolina, can apply for up to US $750,000 to serve as the Network Training Center. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports curricula development, instructional design, and delivery of NNLM-wide training.

Focused on health information access, this opportunity invites South Carolina library and information organizations to coordinate the Network of the National Library of Medicine. Eligible institutions can apply for up to US $1,500,000 to manage network-wide administration, evaluation, communication, and training support through the National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine program.

Library staff and board members employed by accredited Nebraska public or state-run institutional libraries can receive continuing education funding for online learning, out-of-state conferences, workshops, or larger training projects. Nebraska Library Commission provides support for eligible registration, travel, meals, lodging, and preconference fees to strengthen library services, which may benefit South Carolina libraries seeking similar models.

The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant, offered by the American Library Association, supports libraries facing budget constraints by providing $2,500 to three selected libraries. The 2025-2026 cycle focuses on programming that strengthens community ties through libraries as third spaces, promoting gatherings and connections among individuals. Eligible proposals may include intergenerational gardening programs, play-based activities for adults, or visual arts performances. Applicants must have ALA or ARSL membership and demonstrate how their program will foster community engagement.

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries offers financial support to underfunded schools to enhance their library collections, promoting literacy and a passion for reading. Eligible applicants include Title 1 public schools and private institutions with at least 50% of students qualifying for financial aid. The grant funds can be utilized exclusively for books, periodicals, and subscriptions, ensuring that all students have access to diverse reading materials. Applications require a designated librarian and completion of necessary documentation.