|
Trustees, Friends, & Foundations |
April 2026 |  |
|
|
|
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. | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| April 9, 2026
"The American Library Association (ALA) – the largest library association in the world – and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) – the nation’s largest union of cultural workers – have reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that protects the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and ensures the agency will continue carrying out its congressionally mandated work. IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to providing funding for the nation’s libraries. Democracy Forward and Gair Gallo Eberhard LLP represent plaintiffs.
ALA President Sam Helmick said, “When the administration began shuttering IMLS last year, it set off a chain reaction. Libraries across the country started cutting hours, staff and services people rely on - after school programs, support for jobseekers and connection for older adults. This settlement protects life-changing library services for communities across the country. ALA will continue to defend every American's freedom to read and learn...” |
|
|
| April 14, 2026
"Publishers, authors, booksellers, librarians, parent groups, and literary organizations—including PW—have signed a statement opposing House Resolution 7661, a book-banning bill titled the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act by its initiators. HR 7661 would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to prohibit federal education funds from being used in public classrooms and school libraries alleged to possess 'sexually oriented materials.'...
As of April 13, 133 organizations and associations have added their names.
The coalition’s statement reads, in part, that 'HR 7661, if passed, will compel nationwide book censorship. It confuses obscenity with identity and stigmatizes vulnerable young people, particularly trans children and teens, based on who they are. It will continue to drain funding from our already underfunded schools and libraries. And it will threaten the creativity and critical thinking that are vital to education in the U.S.' The letter will be sent to members of Congress."
|
|
|
|
|
Sign Up with the Virginia Library Association as an Advocate!
|
|
|
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.
|
|
| |
UNITED FOR LIBRARIES RESOURCES |
|
|
|
 |
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.
|
Already signed up? Click HERE to access everything through the ALA eLearning Platform! |
|
|
|  |
Intellectual Freedom Advocacy in a Brave New World
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 -- 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm
As libraries deal with unprecedented censorship issues and book challenges, librarians, library staff, and trustees have an opportunity to be proactive instead of simply reacting to negative media coverage. But what does this look like in the current political climate? How can advocates protect themselves and still be vital participants in upholding the First Amendment and the Right to Read? This session will provide practical tips for dealing with the media, speaking effectively on issues of first amendment advocacy and librarianship, and supporting libraries. |
|
Stronger Together: Power Partnerships for Library Leadership
Thursday, May 7, 2026 -- 2:00 pm
*Free for Virginia Public Libraries*
Join us for an engaging and practical conversation about building powerful, aligned relationships between Library Trustees, the Library Foundation, Friends of the Library, and Library Administration.
In "Stronger Together: Power Partnerships for Library Leadership," the Library Director and two Trustees from Santa Barbara Public Library will share insights into how to intentionally coordinate efforts, strengthen communication, and work collaboratively to advance your library’s mission. |
|
 |
SAVE THE DATE
July 28-30, 2026 --- Free for Virginia Public Libraries!
An interactive three-day virtual event featuring expert speakers on current topics facing library Trustees, Friends, Foundations, and staff who work with them.
Trustee/Board Member Day - Tuesday, July 28, 2026 Foundations & Fundraising Day - Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Friends of the Library Day - Thursday, July 30, 2026
When registration opens, feel free to sign up for just one day or all three! |
|
|
|
|
| Emergency Management in Libraries |
Emergencies/disasters can be either natural or man-made, resulting in severe or minimal impact. Therefore, taking an all-hazards approach to emergency preparedness will help mitigate and reduce the impact of these events. In addition to ensuring a state of readiness for the organization, having a well-established emergency preparedness program can ease anxieties and feelings of uncertainty for staff and patrons. If the staff is properly trained on how to respond during times of emergency, they will respond appropriately and be better prepared both at work and at home. Patrons visiting the libraries will be in better hands if the staff is knowledgeable of the organization’s emergency procedures.
(Occurs: 4.22.26 - 11a) |
| Register Here
|
| |
|
Getting Your Board to Help You Fundraise | |
Are you a nonprofit [or library] trying to fundraise with a board that’s not onboard to help? That can be frustrating because, in an ideal world, your board would be a well-oiled fundraising machine. If your board’s fundraising efforts are more like a college clunker than a luxury sedan, this webinar will help you kick things into gear.
(Occurs: 4.28.26 - 2p) |
| Register Here
| |
|
|
Maximizing the Return on Information: How Data Powers Every Stage of Fundraising Success |
...We will dive into how precision intelligence allows your team to validate existing research and dive deep into specific data points to uncover hidden donor gems. Participants will learn how to drive greater fundraising progress by identifying new prospects at all levels and optimizing portfolios to ensure gift officers are spending their time where it matters most. Beyond individual donor management, we'll discuss how to use these insights to secure new foundation proposals and execute bigger asks with total confidence. Join us to discover how to achieve significant research time savings and build a data-driven vision that fuels long-term organizational expansion.
(Occurs: 4.30.26 - 12p) |
| Register Here
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
Trust for Civic Life - Civic Hubs Grant
20-25 grants per year, each for $250,000-$500,000, for a three (3)- year period. Trust for Civic Life funds community-led, locally grounded projects in rural areas that bring people together to solve shared problems and strengthen everyday civic life. Focuses on rural communities specifically in the Black Belt, Central Appalachia, Tribal Lands, Southwest Border, and communities in economic and demographic transition in the rural U.S. Typical projects include creating or expanding "civic hubs" and local programs that convene residents across differences, host community events, activate public spaces, support youth leadership, and foster collaboration among local organizations, governments, and residents.
Application Open: February - June 2026 Awarded: July 2026 |
|
Wish You Well Foundation - Adult and Family Literacy Grants
Grants range from $200 - $10,000. Requests must align with the Foundation's mission, "Supporting adult and family literacy in the United States by fostering new and promoting existing adult literacy and educational programs." Organization based in Virginia.
Application Open: April 1, 2026 Awarded: On a rolling basis |
|
Hart Family Fund for Small Towns
Grants range from $2,500 to $15,000 towards preservation projects. Applicants must either be a U.S. public agency, 501(c)(3), or other nonprofit organization to be considered eligible. Must also have a population of 10,000 or fewer. Cash match required.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 Awarded: After a three-month review process. |
|
Lois Lenski Covey Foundation Bookmobile Grants [Annual]
Grants range from $500 to $3000 and are specifically for book purchases; they cannot be used for administrative or operational purposes. Provides grants for purchasing children's fiction or non-fiction books. Hardcopy application only.
Application Closes: All applications must be postmarked by August 15 Awarded: Annually, by mid-October |
|
Journey For Good Foundation [3x/Year]
Grants range from $7,500 to $32,500 towards addressing the root causes of poverty. Funding focuses on improving access to food, stable housing, education, workforce development, and support for veterans and their families. One application per organization per calendar year.
Application Deadline: January 15, May 15, September 15 Awarded: Rolling |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
Community Heart & Soul Planning, Technical Assistance, and Seed Grant Program [Rolling]
Community Heart & Soul is a community development process that engages residents in identifying what matters most to the community and how to build lasting change. Activities and objectives are determined by communities, and projects have included volunteerism, leadership, business development, healthcare access, social programs, transportation, broadband, and emergency preparedness, among others. Grants are $10,000 but require a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or partnering organization.
Application Open: Rolling application process |
|
|
|
|
| |
Click on the image to learn more about each title, and then use your local library to request them from the Library of Virginia.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I have often thought that nothing would do more extensive good at small expense thatn the establishment of a circulating library in every county, to consist of a few well-chosen books, to be lent to the people of the country under regulations as would secure their safe return in due time."
|
|
|
- Thomas Jefferson to John Wyche, May 19, 1809, from his papers at the Library of Congress |
|
|
|
|
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 Services (IMLS).
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
