Penguin Random House and United for Libraries Announce 2026 Grant Program for Rural and Small Libraries
Penguin Random House and United for Libraries have announced a 2026 grant program designed to uplift rural and small libraries across the country.
This initiative will provide essential support through grant funds, in-kind book donations, and educational opportunities aimed at helping libraries in need strengthen their impact in their communities.
A total of $25,000 in funding will be distributed in $500 and $1,000 grants to support Friends of the Library group nonprofit organizations that raise funds and advocate for their local libraries. In addition, 20 libraries will receive in-kind book donation grants of $500 to purchase Penguin Random House titles.
Grants will be administered by United for Libraries, the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, with funding provided by Penguin Random House.
The launch of this program comes at a pivotal time for libraries nationwide. As the freedom to read faces growing threats through book bans and censorship efforts, public libraries, especially in rural areas—need additional resources and advocacy support. According to the American Library Association, 2024 saw 821 attempts to censor books and materials, marking the third-highest number of book challenges since tracking began in 1990.
Applications open December 17, 2025, and close January 21, 2026. Recipients will be notified by March 30, 2026.
To assist applicants, United for Libraries will host free virtual informational sessions beginning in December, including:
- Two 30-minute sessions offering an overview of the process and application tips
- A one-hour webinar featuring 2025 grant recipients and their successful projects
- On-demand sessions on grant writing basics and starting a Friends of the Library group
Learn more and register at www.ala.org/united/prhgrant.
Grant recipients will receive:
- Complimentary eLearning from United for Libraries, including a year of access to Learning Live monthly webinars
- Training on how to maximize grant impact and build stronger community support
- Free registration for Friends of the Library Day at the United for Libraries Virtual Conference (July 30, 2026)
- Access to the Friends Virtual Retreat (Spring 2027)
“Small and rural libraries are community cornerstones, but today—when the freedom to read is under attack across the country—they are more important than ever,” said Skip Dye, Senior Vice President of Library Sales and Digital Strategy at Penguin Random House. “These grants will empower Friends groups to bolster their support and advocacy, ensuring these vital community centers not only survive but thrive.”
“Friends groups provide much-needed support to libraries by raising money for programs and projects not covered by regular funding,” added Deborah Doyle, 2024–2026 President of United for Libraries. “These grants provided by Penguin Random House will enable Friends in rural and small areas to fulfill an unmet need of the library, and to take their support to the next level with United for Libraries training and resources.”
For more information and updates on the 2026 grant program, visit U.S. Library Grants – Social Impact at Penguin Random House.