Eight Libraries Selected for “Libraries as Literacy Centers” Initiative, A Major Milestone for Library-Driven Literacy Communities

CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA), in collaboration with World Education, a division of JSI, announces the selection of eight libraries to participate in the transformative “Libraries as Literacy Centers: Strengthening Libraries’ Capacity to Meet Local Literacy Needs” initiative.

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.

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)

“This project represents a powerful moment for both literacy and library communities,” said Aubrey Huff, assistant director of literacy & continuing education at ALA. “By equipping libraries to lead innovative literacy solutions that are rooted in their communities, we reaffirm libraries’ essential role as trusted institutions that respond directly and thoughtfully to the needs of the people they serve.”

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.

“Libraries are trusted, community-embedded spaces uniquely positioned to expand access to foundational skills, digital literacy, and workforce development opportunities,” said World Education Technical Advisor Rachel Riggs. “Through the Libraries as Literacy Centers initiative, World Education is proud to work alongside these eight library partners, strengthening their capacity to meet local literacy needs while generating insights that can inform and enhance library services nationwide.”

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.

“The Kennett Library Adult Literacy Program has been in existence since 1979 to serve all adults needing assistance with learning English, obtaining their GED, and studying for their US citizenship classes,” said Grant-Winning Kennett Public Library Executive Director Christopher Manna. “As we’ve progressed over time, we’ve seen a rise in the need for these same students to benefit from workforce development classes.  With the award of this grant, we will be able to add additional classes that strengthen our adult student’s workplace value and ultimately secure their financial security for both themselves and their families.”

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.

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 World Education

World Education, a division of JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., strengthens the capacity of individuals and organizations to address critical issues in education, health, and development. For more than 70 years, World Education has partnered with communities worldwide to deliver evidence-based and equity-driven solutions

 Aubrey Huff at ahuff@ala.org.