J. Frank Dobie Library Trust
Forecasted
The J. Frank Dobie Library Trust, funded by the Texas Library Association, helps small Texas public libraries expand their book collections to better serve their communities.
Funder: Texas Library Association
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typically $40,000–$50,000 total distributed annually; recent awards ranged from $3,000–$8,000 per library.
Summary: Supports small Texas public libraries in purchasing books, prioritizing demonstrated need and community support.
Key Information: Funds must be used exclusively for books (print, ebooks, audiobooks); no more than 50% may be spent on ebooks.
Description
The J. Frank Dobie Library Trust, administered by the Texas Library Association, provides annual grants to help small Texas public libraries expand their book collections. Established by the estate of Texas author and folklorist J. Frank Dobie, the Trust aims to improve access to quality books for communities with limited resources. Awards are determined by a committee based on both the library’s demonstrated need and the level of community support, ensuring that the funding directly benefits libraries committed to enriching their local populations. All awarded funds must be used exclusively for the purchase of books, including print, ebooks, and audiobooks, with a strong preference for purchasing rather than licensing digital materials.
