Books Unbanned Programming Funding

We are offering limited funding to libraries in the United States to launch programming for teens and young adults focused on the freedom to read. BPL will award one-time contracted funding in amounts of $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 (totaling $50,000).

Proposals are open to all types and sizes of libraries within the United States. In awarding funds, BPL will pay particular attention to libraries serving small and rural communities, and/or communities facing significant challenges with book censorship. The final selection of partners will be based on community need, programming goals and opportunities for teen engagement.

Timeline

• June 9, 2025 - Open application
• July 11, 2025 11:59pm EST - Close application
• August 18, 2025 - Selected libraries announced
• August 28, 2026 - Program implementation period ends
• September 11, 2026 - Program report due to BPL

Award Information

Selected libraries will receive up to $10,000 to develop teen and young adult programming focused on the freedom to read. BPL’s Books Unbanned team will work closely with awardees to develop educational programming that provides teens with the knowledge and skills to fight back against censorship in their communities and beyond.

Libraries selected will receive:

• Funds to support teen and young adult programming including participant stipends, food, speaker fees and supplies
• Regular support meetings with project advisors, Emma Karin Eriksson and Kelly Jensen, and other grant winners
• Access to Books Unbanned contacts of authors, organizations and speakers that can be used for virtual visits
• Flyer and social media templates to be used for promotion
• Hard copy of Freedom to Read Teen Advocacy Toolkit

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to all types of libraries and special collections that serve people between the ages of 13 – 21.

All sizes and service areas are welcome to apply, but special consideration will be given to applications from small and rural communities within the U.S. Only complete and eligible applications that are received on time will be reviewed.

Requirements

All libraries awarded funding will be required to:

• Designate one or two staff members as the project directors. Those selected will commit to completing the virtual training (approximately 2-4 hours) before implementing their youth engagement program.
• If your library would like to work with a community partner on this project, please provide the information of the person from the organization you would be working with.
• Have the Library Director confirm participation in program
• Host AT MINIMUM four sessions of youth engagement programming prior to June 30, 2026.
• Programs will be developed using feedback from teen input, Freedom to Read Teen Advocacy Toolkit, and other materials.
• Programming can be set up in a variety of ways that suit the community's needs. See project design for ideas.
• Participate in the project evaluation and reporting by sharing data, photographs, and completing exit surveys.
• Support Books Unbanned card sign-ups by sharing the card application QR codes with teens and young adults.
• Deliver the service by August 28, 2026.
• Submit a final report by September 11, 2026.

• Is there a team of project advisors for this initiative?
  Yes, Emma Karin Eriksson and Kelly Jensen are project advisors
• How long will the application take me to fill out?
  The application should take you about two hours to fill out once you have collected the needed information.
• Can I work with a community partner on this project?
  Yes, partnerships with community organizations are encouraged
• Can I use this money to hire someone to help me run this program?
  You can use funds to pay for activity facilitators and speakers, but you cannot pay a third party to run the program for you
• What happens if there is push back against this programming?
  Each situation will be unique - we will encourage funding recipients to keep project advisors aware of any issues or push back they are receiving, and we can offer guidance and support
• What if I cannot complete the requirements?
  Project advisors will work closely with funding recipients to ensure the program is able to be carried out. Options for extensions may be possible.

For other questions please email Emma Karin Eriksson at [email protected]