Terrebonne Parish Library System (Houma, La.) and Union (N.J). Public Library Awarded ALA’s Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) has awarded its seventh annual Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant to Terrebonne Parish Library System in Houma, La., and Union (N.J.) Public Library. The winning libraries will use the grant to engage their community in an emergency preparedness project and a project focused on providing childcare support and resources.

The $2,000 annual grant assists school, public, academic, tribal and special libraries in initiating or enhancing community engagement endeavors. Each year, these grants facilitate community engagement projects centered around a particular theme. In 2026, libraries submitted proposals for a community engagement project that focuses on the concept of “Libraries as a Lifeline: Building Belonging for All.”

The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant is made possible by former ALA president and longtime generous supporter Nancy Kranich, supplemented by donors to ALA’s Cultural Communities Fund. The grant selection committee comprises a chair and four ALA members appointed by ALA's Public and Cultural Programs Advisory Committee (PCPAC).

“These projects show how thoughtfully libraries listen to and respond to the needs of their communities,” said Nancy Kranich. “Terrebonne Parish Library System and Union Public Library represent powerful examples of how libraries act as lifelines, connecting neighbors with the information, resources and support they need to thrive. I congratulate both libraries for their award- winning proposals and look forward to recognizing the impact these initiatives will have in the months ahead.”

The Terrebonne Parish Library System in Houma, Louisiana, will use the grant for a project titled "Ready Together: Emergency Kit Workshop." As a coastal parish, Terrebonne is frequently impacted by hurricanes and flooding. The project is designed to support adults who may face barriers to emergency preparedness, including individuals with limited financial resources, older adults, caregivers and residents of rural or flood-prone areas. Through free, hands-on workshops at library branches, the project provides participants with practical guidance, opportunities to ask questions and resources to prepare for emergencies at no cost.

Union (N.J.) Public Library will use the grant to host the second iteration of its Community Baby Shower & Resource Fair. Seeing an abundance of resources inequitably distributed throughout the community, Union Township residents are willing to bridge the gap and share the abundance among various economic groups. The community baby shower is an event where visitors can browse a selection of donated maternity, postpartum, baby and toddler items and take home whatever suits their needs. The resource fair is devoted to providing helpful information and services to families in the community via local groups like pediatricians, daycares and outreach organizations.

“Chosen from the largest pool of applicants in the grant’s seven-year history, the winning institutions exemplify how libraries serve as trusted lifelines in their communities,” said Isabella Rowan, committee chair and executive director at Fowlerville (Mich.) District Library. “These projects create meaningful opportunities for belonging while connecting residents with practical resources and support.”

Support future Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grants by contributing to ALA’s Cultural Communities Fund. 

To stay informed about future grants and awards offered by ALA’s Public Programs Office, sign up for the Programming Librarian e-newsletter. 

About the ALA Public Programs Office

The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office empowers libraries to create vibrant hubs of learning, conversation, and connection in communities of all types. 

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.