Peggy Barber Tribute Grant

The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant, offered by the American Library Association, supports libraries facing budget constraints by providing $2,500 to three selected libraries. The 2025-2026 cycle focuses on programming that strengthens community ties through libraries as third spaces, promoting gatherings and connections among individuals. Eligible proposals may include intergenerational gardening programs, play-based activities for adults, or visual arts performances. Applicants must have ALA or ARSL membership and demonstrate how their program will foster community engagement.

NOTE: Applicants must have a personal or institutional membership with either the American Library Association OR the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.
Peggy Barbar Tribute Grant
The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant is an annual grant of the American Library Association (ALA) that recognizes, promotes, and supports meaningful programs in libraries that have limited and/or no access to budgetary support for programming.
The grant, named after the late library leader Peggy Barber, aims to help ease library budget challenges by awarding three libraries $2,500 to support a proposed program, program series, or programming effort.
Each year, the grant will focus on supporting a specific type of library programming.
For the 2025–2026 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications to support programming related to strengthening community ties through libraries as third spaces. As one of the few remaining “third spaces”—public spaces where individuals can gather outside their homes or workplaces—libraries are uniquely positioned to bring people together and strengthen communities.
Some example proposals could include (but are not limited to):
an intergenerational gardening program, a program series engaging adults in play-based programming, or a visual arts performance at the library in partnership with a local theater group. Please include how your proposed program will bring people in your community together, how your program will foster connection amongst participants, and how the program can help folks share space with other people in the community.
Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

Eligibility

All library types — including public, academic, K-12, tribal and special libraries — in the U.S. or U.S. territories are eligible.Applicants must have a personal or institutional membership with either the American Library Association OR the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.The selected libraries make the following commitments:Appoint one staff member as the project director of the project.Carry out evaluation and measure outcomes of the project.Submit any significant variance to proposed plans in writing to ALA.Submit a comprehensive final report to ALA with project accomplishments, evaluation findings, outcomes, and use of funds within 30 days of the project end date.Present the project either as a webinar or written program model for ProgrammingLibrarian.org, a website of ALA’s Public Programs Office.Peggy Barber Tribute Grant funds are restricted to program related expenses. Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to, the following:Program supplies Promotion and publicityPurchase of collection materials Library staff timePayment to project partners for reimbursement or direct funding of services and support provided (e.g. presenters, childcare providers, translators, instructors, co-facilitator, etc.)Branches within the same library system may submit individual applications as long as their institution meets the eligibility requirements.
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. Must have a membership with either the American Library Association OR the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.

Ineligibility

Grant funds may not be used to support indirect costs (e.g., general library administrative expenses) or as donations to other organizations.