ALA awards $3.5 million in library accessibility funding to 300 small and rural libraries in third round of grant initiative

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) today announced the third round of recipients of its Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant, an initiative to help small and rural libraries increase the accessibility of facilities, services and programs to better serve people with disabilities.

The 300 funded proposals represent 44 U.S. states and the Northern Mariana Islands. Of the selected libraries, 73 percent serve communities with a population of 5,000 or less. 103 of the libraries also received funding in previous rounds of the grant initiative, bringing the total count of LTC: Accessible Small and Rural Communities grantees to 662. See the full list of libraries.

Fifty libraries will receive grants of $20,000, and 250 libraries will receive grants of $10,000. In accordance with Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) definitions, eligibility was limited to communities with populations less than 25,000 located at least five miles from an urbanized area.

“The LTC: Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant continues to be a significantly impactful effort in ALA’s history,” said ALA President Cindy Hohl. “This growing list of libraries nationwide is making huge strides in advancing accessibility for library patrons with disabilities. We look forward to the outcomes from this third round of funding.”

Selected libraries have identified a primary audience they wish to serve (e.g., people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities). Library staff will conduct community input-gathering sessions with the identified primary audience to discuss accessibility in the community and library to collaboratively identify existing resources, needs/gaps and priorities. The libraries will then use the funds to create services or improve their facilities, services or program offerings based on the needs identified by their audience.

Previously funded LTC projects have included installing chair lifts and hearing loops, hosting arts and crafts programs for community members living with Alzheimer’s and memory loss and creating accessible outdoor spaces like community gardens and playgrounds.

Below is a selection of funded proposals:

• Decorah Public Library in Iowa will use grant funding to focus on individuals in the community with low vision by expanding access to large print materials and purchasing more e-books and audiobooks to meet rising demands. These resources will also be shared with 120 libraries across Iowa as part of a statewide lending program.
• Without any local public transportation options, Oxford Public Library in Connecticut will use grant funding to support library patrons who cannot travel to the library due to physical disabilities. The library will increase outreach through pop-up libraries, create a homebound delivery service and enhance programs and collections to improve library access for disabled individuals in the community.
• Washington College in Maryland observed how students utilize the various spaces of the academic library and how sensory experiences differ throughout the building. Using funds, the library aims to assist students with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing challenges by creating an interactive library map to help with wayfinding and visualization of where students may find best suits their study needs.

Since 2014, ALA has distributed LTC funding to foster community engagement skills among library workers and support need-driven projects. LTC: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is offered in partnership with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL).

“The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) sends our congratulations to the third round of LTC: Accessible Small and Rural Communities libraries,” said ARSL Executive Director Kate Laughlin. “Whether they just received funding for the first time or have received grants in rounds one and two, we are incredibly proud of these libraries for leading community-centered projects that are making a meaningful impact nationwide.”

In February 2024, ALA announced an additional $10 million in grants to continue the Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities initiative. The fourth and final round of LTC: Accessible Small and Rural Communities will open in the fall of 2025. To be notified when applications open, sign up for ALA’s Programming Librarian newsletter.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

About the ALA Public Programs Office

The ALA Public Programs Office empowers libraries to create vibrant hubs of learning, conversation and connection in communities of all types. Learn more at www.ala.org/ppo.

About the Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services

The ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services supports library and information science workers in creating responsible and all-inclusive spaces that serve and represent the entire community. Learn more at www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/diversity.

About the Association for Rural & Small Libraries

ARSL builds strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries. As the premier organization representing rural and small libraries, ARSL recognizes the uniqueness of this constituency and is committed to providing an environment that encourages service excellence within our community of practice.