Libraries as Literacy Centers: Strengthening Libraries’ Capacity to Meet Local Literacy Needs

Explore the strategies, lessons learned, and scalable models project participants developed to meet local literacy needs
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This groundbreaking project, generously funded by the Mellon Foundation, aims to elevate libraries as vital literacy hubs through customized support, professional learning communities and technical assistance. Over the next two years, the participating libraries will receive targeted training, engage in knowledge-sharing networks and pilot scalable strategies based on one or more of ALA’s three “Library as Literacy Center” models:

Library as Literacy Center (direct program delivery)
Library as Place of Instruction (partner-supported instruction within the library)
Library as Literacy Convener (coordinated local ecosystem building)

The selected libraries—Alamance County Public Libraries, North Carolina; Franklin County Public Library, Arkansas; Hartford Public Library, Connecticut; Homewood Public Library, Alabama; Kennett Public Library, Pennsylvania;  New Orleans Public Library, Louisiana; Plumas County Library, California; and Simi Valley Public Library, California—will serve as living laboratories for advancing community-based literacy models that reflect the diversity and evolving needs of readers and learners across the United States.

 

Project Resources

Library Progress and Support

Each library will begin by developing a customized Team Action Plan and identifying a SMART goal aligned with local literacy priorities. Over the course of the project, libraries will participate in strand-specific learning sessions, cross-site collaboration, and one-on-one consultations. Their progress will be supported by World Education’s decades of experience in adult education and technical assistance and will culminate in the creation of public-facing case studies documenting strategies, lessons learned, and pathways for future growth.

For the broader literacy field, this project offers new models of sustainability and replicability. For the library community, it reinforces the role of libraries as not just information providers, but as catalysts for lifelong learning, equity, and community resilience.

By the conclusion of the project in late 2026, the eight libraries will have developed tangible literacy programs and partnerships, expanded their local networks, and contributed to a national vision for library-led literacy that is scalable, inclusive, and deeply rooted in local needs.

Opportunities to Learn with Us!

  • Libraries as Literacy Centers: Workforce Readiness—Maximizing Existing Assets
    • Featuring: Kennett, Homewood, and Simi Valley Public Libraries
    • Date/Time: Thursday, Sept. 24 at 1:30 p.m. CT
    • Register Here!
       
  • Libraries as Literacy Centers: Rural Libraries—Weaving a Network of Support
    • Featuring: Franklin County and Plumas County Public Libraries
    • Date/Time: Oct. 8 at 1:30 p.m. CT
    • Register Here!
  • Libraries as Literacy Centers: Partnerships—Amplifying Literacy Services
    • Featuring: Alamance County, Hartford, and New Orleans Public Libraries
    • Date/Time:  Oct. 22 at 1:30 p.m. CT
    • Register Here!