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Trustees, Friends, & Foundations |
January 2026 |  |
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Welcome to the Trustees, Friends, & Foundations Newsletter!
A monthly update on items relevant to those
who work as or with Library Trustees, Friends, and Foundations. | |
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| January 2, 2026
"At a time when libraries are facing immense, unprecedented challenges—fiscal, logistical, institutional, existential—the role of library supporters has never been more critical.
These types of challenges were top of mind at United for Libraries (UFL) Virtual 2025, held in late July. Every year, UFL brings together trustees, foundation and Friends members, and those who work with them for a virtual conference to discuss the library advocacy landscape. It’s also a space to brainstorm practical solutions for rallying communities around key issues, such as intellectual freedom, equitable access, and sustainable business practices that contribute to a vibrant, sturdy future..."
(All library staff and stakeholders are able to attend this at no cost as part of the Virginia Statewide Membership with United for Libraries) |
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| January 12, 2026
"A pathbreaking national study published in December 2025 provides the first comprehensive national data in decades about the state of America’s public library facilities. Nationwide, there are more than 17,000 public library locations, totaling more than 200 million square feet of buildings. Americans visit public libraries more than 800 million times each year, and more than 140,000 Americans work in public libraries. While most public library buildings are generally in good repair, the report found that a majority of public libraries have a backlog of deferred maintenance, and thousands of public libraries have a building system in poor condition. Libraries need additional funding to address these issues..."
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Sign Up with the Virginia Library Association as an Advocate!
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Click HERE and sign up for the VLA Advocacy Center Mailing List to make sure you're receiving Virginia action alerts and updates on policy issues related to the library field. This will help you keep abreast of legislation that could affect your local library and community.
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Federal Funding & Virginia Libraries (Status - As of the publication of this newsletter on 1/21/26)
Regarding the federal funding as it applies to Virginia public libraries and Executive Order 14238 in the reduction of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
New News:
On January 19, 2026, the federal administration filed an appeal to the November 2025 decision in Rhode Island v. Trump, which prevented the administration from further dismantling IMLS. The details of the appeal are as yet unknown.
Remains the Same: The government has until the end of January 2026 to pass a new budget. IMLS funding has been reinstated for all states in a federal court ruling as of November 21, 2025. All states that receive an annual allotment from the IMLS Grants to States program have now been awarded a full allotment for the next fiscal year. This means that Virginia LSTA funding, approximately $4.3 million per year, will continue through September 30, 2026. There are no anticipated changes in funding. This is primarily due to the preliminary injunction in Rhode Island v. Trump, which prohibits the continued dismantling of IMLS until the case is resolved. This means that initiatives that impact your public libraries, such as the Find It Virginia databases, library consulting, Niche Academy, and other resources, will remain in place for the same period. The Library of Virginia will continue to move forward on the various projects funded by LSTA. Federal funding levels for beyond the above are still unknown. The original budget had only $6 million allocated to "close out" IMLS as an agency. The Senate Report 119-55 for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2026, includes $291,800,000 in appropriations for IMLS in 2026, with the LSTA Grants to States being funded at $183,000,000. This latter amount is what funds the work of the Library Development division of the Library of Virginia in support of public libraries across the Commonwealth. The House Report for the Departments of Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2026, was released on September 1, 2025. It included $291,800,000 in its 2026 IMLS appropriations, though it doesn't provide any further breakdowns. The good news is that both the House and Senate versions match, but we still have to await the final passage of these measures. |
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UNITED FOR LIBRARIES RESOURCES |
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Virginia library staff and stakeholders (folks like
you!) have access to a whole host of resources from United for Libraries.
Click to get the CHEAT SHEET signed up and in.
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Already signed up? Click HERE to access everything through the ALA eLearning Platform! |
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Virtual Roundtable Discussions
Special Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 -- 2:00p-3:00p -- No Cost to Register for VA Libraries!
Attendees will join breakout rooms in Zoom for open discussion on topics of interest to Trustees, Friends Groups, and Foundations. Volunteers will be in each breakout room to help facilitate conversation, and ideas shared will be compiled and shared with attendees.
NOTE: You must attend live to participate. Breakout rooms will *not* be recorded. |
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| Access and Usability Series: Universal Design vs ADA Requirements |
...What is Universal Design, and why should we use these principles when thinking about our physical and digital services and our facilities? Desired Learning Outcomes: Attendees learn about these concepts and things to consider with their local building and digital services; Attendees learn about resources that can help with the building and digital services; Attendees come up with ideas for ways to address either the building or digital services.
(Occurs: 1.27.26 - 2p) |
| Attend Here
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Responsible Budgeting in Tumultuous Times |
Your library's adopted budget shows how much you are allowed to spend. But your balances may be telling another story. How does this happen, and what does it mean for your library? With uncertain future revenues, it's more important than ever for Library Boards and Administrators to understand that cash is king. This webinar will explain how library budgets are affected by external factors and how to mitigate those factors to secure maximum revenue and financial stability into the future.
(Occurs: 1.28.26 - 10a) |
| Register Here
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| The Science of Change Readiness and Resilience |
I...Learn how the brain responds to change, why some people struggle while others thrive, and how you can design change initiatives that build resilience at every level. Walk away with practical strategies to build change-ready cultures and equip your leaders and employees with the skills to navigate uncertainty, bounce back from setbacks, and embrace ongoing transformation with confidence.
(Occurs: 1.28.26 - 12p) |
| Register Here
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Trustee, Friends, and Foundation members have access to the Library of Virginia's Niche Academy, a place for online learning.
Please note, if you register with a non-library issued e-mail address, someone from the Library of Virginia will follow up with you to confirm that you are affiliated with a Virginia library before you can access the content. |
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ALA Trustee Citation (Award)
Recognition of a Trustee for distinguished service to library development. Established in 1941 and occurs annually.
Application Open: Now through March 6, 2026 Notification: April 3, 2026 Honored at the Opening General Session of the 2026 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago |
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National Endowment for The Arts (NEA) Big Read
Matching grants from $5000 to $20,000 for reading programs that bring communities together around the central theme America250 using one of the 24 available books as inspiration
Mandatory Intent to Apply Due: January 15, 2026
Application Open: Now through January 29, 2026 Notification: April 2026 Programming to Take Place Between: September 2026 - June 2027 |
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Grants for Friends Groups in Small and Rural Libraries- 2026
$500 - $1000 grants, along with book donations and free virtual training, will be awarded to small and rural libraries across the U.S. Provided via a partnership between National Friends of Libraries Week, Penguin Random House, and United for Libraries.
Application Open: December 17, 2025 - January 21, 2026 Notification: By March 30, 2026 |
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Peggy Barber Tribute Grant
Three libraries will be awarded $2500 grants to support programming related to strengthening community ties through libraries as third spaces.
Application Open: Now to February 2, 2026
Notification: March 20, 2026 | |
STEM Action Grants
Up to $5000 grants to non-profit organizations working to enhance the public's understanding of science and to increase participation in STEM in their communities. May be renewed for up to three (3) years. Must have an operating budget at or below $500,000.
Application Open: Now through February 15, 2026 Notification: March/April 2026 Activities Must Take Place Between: May 2026 - June 2027 |
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Host a Traveling Exhibit -- Pulitzer on the Road: Prize-Winning Works that Inform, Empower & Inspire
18 libraries will be selected to host a new traveling exhibit, Pulitzer on the Road: Prize-Winning Works that Inform, Empower & Inspire. The exhibit highlights the cultural legacy of The Pulitzer Prizes; connects new audiences with Prize-winners and their work; and promotes the role of journalism, books, drama and music in a democratic society. Selectees receive the 1400 square foot exhibition on loan for roughly six weeks, a $3000 allowance to support public programs, customizable publicity materials and media training, and ongoing support from The Pulitzer Prizes and ALA, etc.
Application Open: Now through March 27, 2026 Notification: June 2026 |
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Walmart Spark Good Local Grants [Quarterly]
Grants from $250 to $5000 awarded to address specific community needs. Projects must align with focus areas of Creating Opportunity, Advancing Sustainability, Strengthening Community, and/or Centering Racial Equity. Applicants must be within the service area of a Walmart store, Sam's Club, or distribution center.
Application Open: Runs on a quarterly basis Notification: Not stated |
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T-Mobile Hometown Grants [Quarterly]
Up to $50,000 for shovel-ready, physical builds or improvements that can be completed within 12 months of receiving grant funds. For communities with a population of 50,000 or less.
Application Open: Runs on a quarterly basis; portal closes on the last day of each quarter and reopens on the first of the month of the new quarter Notification: Within 60 days after entries have closed for the quarter |
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Bolger Foundation - Capital Improvement Grants [Spring & Fall]
Grants of $10,000 to $250,000 are provided for capital projects that will have an ongoing impact, such as constructing new facilities, acquiring land, or expanding existing structures; upgrading or improving current buildings and/or grounds; and purchasing significant and long-lasting equipment, e.g., new computers or other technology. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible.
Application Open: Runs twice per year -- Spring: Open from November 1 - February 1 // Fall: Open from June 1 - September 1 Notification: Within six (6) weeks after the conclusion of each application period |
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Click on the image to learn more about each title, and then use your local library to request them from the Library of Virginia.
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"I think libraries are like drugstores, pharmacies, and you are drawn to books that help serve whatever ails you--it's going to nourish you at a certain time when you need that story. But if it's not your prescription, that doesn't mean you burn the pharmacy down."
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- Author Sandra Cisneros, in "Meet Three Authors Who Wrote Some of the Most Banned Books in America," GBH, August 1, 2026
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This newsletter is brought to you by the Library Development division of the Library of Virginia. Funding for this is provided through the Virginia General Assembly and the Institute for Museum and Library Studies (IMLS).
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