Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2026)

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21), administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is a competitive federal grant initiative designed to support the development, recruitment, education, training, and retention of the library and archival workforce across the United States and its territories. Aligned with the agency’s mission to champion lifelong learning and advance institutional capacity in libraries and archives, this program aims to ensure that the evolving information needs of communities are met through a highly skilled and diverse workforce. With a focus on building educational pipelines, strengthening continuing education, and fostering professional development, LB21 addresses critical challenges and opportunities in the library sciences field. The LB21 program offers six distinct project types to suit various applicant goals and institutional capacities: Planning, Forum, Community-Centered Implementation, National Implementation, Early Career Research, and Applied Research. Each project type has specific characteristics, award ranges, and cost share requirements. Planning, Forum, Community-Centered Implementation, Early Career Research, and Applied Research do not require cost share. However, National Implementation projects requesting over $299,999 must provide a 1:1 cost share from non-federal sources, excluding student support costs from the base calculation. Award sizes range from $25,000 to $1,000,000 depending on project type, with a total anticipated program funding of approximately $8.5 million and an estimated 35 awards. Eligible applicants include a wide range of institutions: public, academic, and tribal libraries; school districts and municipalities responsible for libraries; archives; library science graduate schools; digital libraries; consortia; associations serving libraries or archives; and nonprofits affiliated with specific libraries or archives. Applicants must be located within U.S. states, territories, or freely associated states. Applications may involve partnerships, but only one eligible lead organization can apply and be responsible for fiscal and programmatic management. IMLS particularly encourages proposals from underrepresented institutions, rural or remote communities, and those emphasizing a positive, inclusive understanding of American history in light of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. Applications are submitted through Grants.gov and are due by **March 13, 2026**, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Projects must begin on **September 1, 2026**, with a performance period of one to three years. Required application components include a completed SF-424S, a Program Information Form, a narrative (max 10 pages), budget forms and justification, a schedule of completion, resumes, a digital products plan, and a performance measurement plan. Depending on applicant type and project, additional documents such as nonprofit status verification, indirect cost rate agreements, or departmental endorsement letters (for Early Career Research projects) may be required. Proposals are evaluated through a rigorous peer review process. Reviewers assess alignment with program goals, the quality of the project justification and work plan, expected outcomes, sustainability, and dissemination strategies. Specific review criteria vary slightly by project type. For example, research projects are evaluated for clarity of research questions, methodological soundness, and generalizability of results. All applicants must adhere to federal cost principles, allowable costs, and reporting standards, and all funded work must acknowledge IMLS support. The LB21 program supports a variety of initiatives that strengthen the library and archival professions, from pre-professional training and mentoring to the development of advanced educational curricula, faculty research, and national-level service models. IMLS welcomes innovative approaches and encourages collaboration with institutions like museums, universities, community-based organizations, and workforce development entities. The agency is particularly interested in efforts that support underserved communities and promote inclusive access to information, civic engagement, and shared cultural heritage.

Align projects with clearly stated goals and evaluation criteria (effectiveness, efficiency, quality, timeliness); select the correct project type; consult IMLS webinars for guidance.