2026 Literacy Bridges: Empowering 21st Century Communities Grant Program

The Literacy Bridges: Empowering 21st Century Communities Grant Program is a two-year initiative that will train library staff working in Carnegie-built libraries in small and rural areas of the U.S. to deliver programs integrating adult basic and digital literacy skills.

Grant Program Overview

For those invited to apply, applications will be sent via email on February 2, 2026.
Applications open March 11, 2026.
Applications must be submitted online by April 8, 2026 at 6 pm PST / 7 pm MST / 8 pm CST / 9 pm EST 

Literacy Bridges is an invitation-only grant opportunity which supports individual library staff members who are passionate about advancing adult basic and digital literacy in their communities. Invited participants will take part in a competitive review process for a $25,000 grant award, which includes funding for new or expanded Adult Literacy programming at their library and their participation in a professional development cohort.

Through this program, selected individuals will have the opportunity to strengthen their skills in designing and leading locally responsive literacy initiatives. Alongside peers from other libraries, participants will engage in learning sessions and mentorship focused on program design, community partnerships, and program sustainability.

Ideal applicants will bring creativity, a strong connection to their communities, and a desire to make a lasting impact through inclusive, community-centered literacy programs tailored to local needs and aspirations.

Participation Requirements

Two cohorts will be selected during this application offering and participate in monthly 1-hour cohort trainings sessions during these time periods:

  • Cohort 1: July 2026 – March 2027
  • Cohort 2: June 2027 – February 2028

Both cohorts will be required to travel to the next two ARSL Conferences:

  • 2026 ARSL Conference – Montgomery, AL (September 17-19, 2026)
  • 2027 ARSL Conference – Milwaukee, WI (September 16-18, 2027)

Application Timeline

  • Invitations sent directly to qualifying libraries via email: February 2nd, 2026 ​
  • Application open date: March 11, 2026
  • Application deadline: Applications must be submitted by April 8, 2026 at 6 pm PST / 7 pm MST / 8 pm CST / 9 pm EST
  • Anticipated notification of awards: End of May, 2026

Grant Award Period

The $25,000 grant must be fully expended within 24 months of receipt and may be used to support eligible project costs, including program implementation, professional development, and related travel.

Cohort Participation

Selected applicants will be placed into one of two separate cohort cycles which will meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 11 am PST / 12 pm MST / 1 pm CST / 2 pm EST.

Cohort 1:

  • Training Sessions: July 2026 – March 2027
  • Local Program Delivery: April 2027 – October 2027
Cohort 2:
  • Training Sessions: June 2027 – February 2028
  • Local Program Delivery: March 2028 – September 2028

Reporting Requirements

Each awardee will be asked to provide a brief final grant report of the impact of their upskilling and their local program outcomes and future sustainability plans. Photos are encouraged.

Eligibility

  • This opportunity is open by invitation to individual staff members currently employed at Carnegie-built libraries in rural and/or small communities.
  • Applicants must be able to attend required courses and in-person events

Guidelines

  • Only invited applicants will be considered.
  • 501(c)3 status is not required.
  • ARSL membership not required to apply.
  • Awardees will be required to attend regular, one-hour cohort sessions virtually and attend two ARSL Conferences for in-person training and collaboration.
  • The ARSL Grants, Awards & Scholarships Committee will assess applicability through an established rubric during the selection process.
  • If applicable, applicants must ensure that AI-assisted content is reviewed to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, and relevance to the purpose of the grant, and no confidential information is placed in third-party AI application tools.

How Libraries Were Selected for Invitation

Carnegie-built libraries were invited based on whether they met conventional guidelines to determine if they were categorized as serving rural and/or small communities.

  • Small public libraries are those with a legal service area population below 25,000 people.
  • Rural public libraries are those which serve communities that are located more than 10 miles from an urbanized area.

If you have questions about your library specifically, please reach out to [email protected]

Support for this program was provided by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York.