Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2026) | LB21 FY26

Opportunity Information: Apply for LB21 FY26

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2026) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) focused on strengthening the nations library and archival workforce. The program supports projects that help current and future professionals develop the skills needed to meet changing community information needs, while also boosting the long-term capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science (LIS) graduate programs. In practical terms, the funding is aimed at workforce development and institutional improvement, with an emphasis on preparing professionals to serve the public effectively as technologies, services, and user expectations evolve.

This opportunity is listed under Funding Opportunity Number LB21 FY26 and falls within the arts and humanities funding activity category, with CFDA number 45.313. The funding instrument is a grant, and the opportunity is categorized as discretionary, meaning awards are made through a competitive review process rather than by formula. The program anticipates making about 35 awards, with a maximum award amount (ceiling) of $1,000,000 per project, depending on the scope and ambition of the proposed work.

The eligible applicant category is listed as "Others," and IMLS directs applicants to the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the full eligibility rules and any specific applicant types that qualify in this cycle. In many IMLS competitions, eligibility can vary by project category and may include certain nonprofit organizations, public agencies, institutions of higher education, or other entities connected to libraries and archives, but applicants should rely on the NOFO for the controlling requirements, definitions, and documentation expectations.

Key dates included in the listing show the opportunity was created on January 13, 2026, with an original application closing date of March 13, 2026. Applicants should plan around that deadline, allowing time for internal approvals, partnership commitments, budget development, narrative drafting, and any required registrations or submissions through the designated federal portal(s).

Overall, the LB21 program is designed for proposals that take workforce needs seriously and translate them into concrete, scalable activities such as education and training, leadership development, recruitment and retention strategies, professional learning models, and other capacity-building approaches that strengthen how libraries and archives serve their communities. For the most accurate guidance on project expectations, allowable costs, required components, review criteria, and the exact eligibility framework, the Notice of Funding Opportunity is the definitive reference.

• The Institute of Museum and Library Services in the arts, humanities sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2026)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 45.313.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2026-01-13.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-03-13. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 35 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for LB21 FY26

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