Books Unbanned Call to Join the Teen Library Advocacy Network!

We are offering limited funding to libraries in the United States to launch internship style programs for teens and young adults focused on supporting them in becoming advocates for libraries and the freedom to read.

BPL will award one-time contracted funding of $2,500 to ten libraries (totaling $25,000).

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

• September 28, 2026 - Open application
• December 7, 2026 11:59 PST - Close application
• January 4, 2027 - Selected libraries announced
• December 31, 2027 - Program implementation period ends and report due to BPL

Award Information

Selected libraries will receive $2,500 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 advisor, Emma Karin Eriksson, and peer mentors who completed previous cycle
• 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
• 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 December 3, 2027 (dates are flexible)
• Submit a final report by December 20, 2027 (date is firm)

Funding

100% of the funding award will be issued upon project plan approval and no later than March 29, 2027

The intention of this program is to cultivate young community leaders and advocates who are passionate about service, access, and literacy.

This initiative is designed to provide libraries with tools to empower teens and young adults to engage in literacy, build advocacy and leadership skills, and to cultivate meaningful relationships within and to their communities.

We are committed to helping libraries in communities of all kinds bring these important opportunities to the next generation of library supporters, while acknowledging the unique challenges some libraries may face. We are willing to be flexible and work with those libraries to develop programs that will best meet their communities' needs.

Libraries will be required to run at least four sessions of connected programs for teens and young adults (13-21) that provide them with the skills, tools and knowledge needed to understand issues of censorship and to become strong library advocates. Focus can be on advocacy and leadership development, civic engagement, literacy skill building, and other related themes.

Possible Models:

• Host a Freedom to Read Institute over a school break period
• Internship that meets weekly over the summer, school year, or designated period
• Have existing Teen Advisory Board work on planning programs for other teens

Eligible Expenses

Funds are restricted to project-related expenses. Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Stipends or gift cards to pay teens for their participation
• Food and snacks for programs
• Materials to run program including folders, pens, notebooks, and sticky notes
• Honoraria for speakers or workshop leaders
• Giveaway books

• Is there a team of project advisors for this initiative?
  Yes, Emma Karin Eriksson is your project advisor. Peer mentors from the previous cohort of this initiative will also be available to offer guidance and best practices.
• How long will the application take me to fill out?
  The application should take you about an hour 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. Books Unbanned and other organizations will 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 eeriksson@bklynlibrary.org