Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (2026)

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21) supports projects that build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country. The program provides funding for 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 and archives professionals. Eligible applicants include libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs, as well as nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education. The program supports a range of project types, including planning, forum, community-centered implementation, national implementation, early career research, and applied research projects. • Provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals • Develop faculty and information leaders • Recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals • Support the development of digital products and services • Foster community engagement and outreach • Support research and evaluation in library and information science