The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is accepting proposals for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian and National Leadership Grants for Libraries Programs; ALA put out the call for LibLearnX program proposals; Kwame Alexander will host a free virtual event for students; and more.

IMLS Accepting Grant Proposals

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is accepting proposals for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian and National Leadership Grants for Libraries Programs.

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian funding program aims to build a diverse library and archival workforce to meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs. The program supports projects that provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals, develop faculty and information leaders, and recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library professionals.

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries funding program enhances the quality of library services nationwide by addressing critical needs in the library and archives fields. The program supports projects that build a workforce and institutional capacity for managing and preserving the national information infrastructure; serving the public’s information and education needs; enhancing library and information services through effective and efficient use of new and emerging technologies; improving community well-being and civic engagement; providing services to communities during disasters and emergencies; and building collaborative partnerships between libraries, archives, and museums that benefit the communities they serve.

The models, tools, research findings, services, and partnerships resulting from these awards can be widely used, adapted, scaled, or replicated to extend and maximize the benefit of Federal investment to libraries and archives of all sizes.

The application deadline for both is September 20, 2024.

LibLearnX program proposals wanted

ALA is calling for program proposals for 2025 LibLearnX, the midwinter ALA conference, which will be held January 24-27, 2025, in Phoenix, AZ. The submission site is open through August 12.

LibLearnX programming should focus on active and applied learning. The programmatic theme of LibLearnX 2025 is Reimagine, Refocus, Reset: Charting a Path for the Future. Successful proposals will show best practices, have clear learning objectives, and focus on innovative content, instructional design, and diverse audiences.

The LibLearnX Program Submission Guide offers a detailed explanation of the learning formats and step-by-step instructions for submitting a proposal. 

ALA offering elections webinar

ALA's Reader. Voter. Ready. campaign will present a webinar at 12 p.m. ET on August 6 to provide resources to help get students and patrons engaged in the election process and increase voter participation.

The virtual event, facilitated by ALA president Cindy Hohl, will feature librarians from across the country sharing their successful strategies to expand voter education, increase voter participation, and sustain civic engagement. The event is free, but registration is required. 

Free Virtual Event with Kwame Alexander

Author Kwame Alexander is offering a free virtual event for students on Tuesday, September 17 at 1 p.m. ET. During the "literary pep rally," Alexander will read from his new novel in verse, Black Star, and participate in a Q&A through the chat. During the live event, which will not be recorded for later viewing, Alexander will also announce guests for this year’s Author Study, his virtual book talk and writing series and the first book choice of his Kwame’s Book Club.

This 25-minute event is free and open to students of all ages, but space is limited and registration is required.