United for Libraries and Penguin Random House Grants for U.S. Rural and Small Libraries
United for Libraries and Penguin Random House Grants for U.S. Rural and Small Libraries support Friends groups with project funding, books, and training to strengthen libraries and build community support.
Funder: American Library Association
Due Dates: December 8, 2026 (Applications open) | January 25, 2027 (Application deadline) | March 31, 2027 (Notification by)
Funding Amounts: $500 or $1,000 cash grants ($25,000 total), plus 20 in-kind book grants of $500 each
Summary: Supports Friends of the Library priority projects at small and rural U.S. libraries through cash, books, and training.
Key Information: Libraries must have an existing Friends group or demonstrate that they are forming one.
Description
Administered by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association, and funded by Penguin Random House, this annual program supports small and rural libraries in need across the United States. Cash grants help Friends of the Library groups carry out priority projects, while in-kind book grants support library collections and programs with Penguin Random House titles.
The program combines project support with education intended to strengthen Friends groups’ ability to fundraise, advocate, and build community support. Recipients receive complimentary learning opportunities on leveraging their grants to benefit both the library and its Friends group. The initiative began in 2025 and seeks to build libraries’ capacity to secure support beyond a single funded project.
