ALA and The Pulitzer Prizes open applications for new ‘Pulitzer on the Road’ traveling exhibition tour for libraries

CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, in collaboration with The Pulitzer Prizes, invites public libraries to apply to host Pulitzer on the Road: Prize-Winning Works that Inform, Empower & Inspire, a new traveling exhibit that highlights the cultural legacy of The Pulitzer Prizes; connects new audiences with Prize-winners and their work; and promotes the role of journalism, books, drama and music in a democratic society.

Through a competitive application process, eighteen public libraries will be selected to host the traveling exhibit for a six-week period in 2027 and 2028. Read the project guidelines and apply online by March 27, 2026.

In 2023, The Pulitzer Prizes launched Pulitzer on the Road, a public programming initiative that celebrates prize-winners and their work with audiences around the country through live events, a podcast and exhibits. As part of this initiative, Pulitzer on the Road: Prize-Winning Works that Inform, Empower & Inspire will tour at public libraries across the United States.

During their host periods, the selected eighteen libraries will be required to implement public programs related to the exhibit's themes.

Selected libraries will receive:

• The 1,400-square-foot exhibition on loan for roughly six weeks;
• A $3,000 allowance to support public programs;
• Customizable publicity materials and media training;
• Ongoing support from The Pulitzer Prizes and the ALA, and more.

Grantees must meet minimum programming and reporting requirements. See the project guidelines for details.

Eligible institutions include public libraries (including tribal libraries and state libraries) in the United States and U.S. territories. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Refer to the project's Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information.

Pulitzer on the Road: Prize-Winning Works that Inform, Empower & Inspire is a collaboration between The Pulitzer Prizes and the American Library Association.

About The Pulitzer Prizes

The Pulitzer Prizes are annual awards given for excellence in 23 categories across journalism, books, drama and music. Established in 1917 and administered at Columbia University, the prizes were endowed by Joseph Pulitzer, a Hungarian-American journalist and newspaper publisher, who also established a journalism school at Columbia upon his death. Finalists are proposed by juries in each category, with the winners selected by a 19-member board composed of leading journalists, news executives, academics, and persons in the arts.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For nearly 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

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