Grant Opportunity: Penguin Random House & United for Libraries 2026 Rural and Small Libraries Grant Program

Penguin Random House and United for Libraries have announced a new 2026 grant program designed to support rural and small libraries across the country. The program aims to strengthen community connections and enhance fundraising capacity through financial and in-kind support for Friends of the Library groups and other nonprofit organizations that fundraise on behalf of their libraries.

A total of $25,000 in grants will be awarded, including:

For Immediate Release
October 29, 2025

Sustainable Libraries Initiative Partners with the Michigan Library Association
 The Sustainable Libraries Initiative partners with the Michigan Library Association to cultivate library leadership for community resilience.

For Immediate Release
October 16, 2025

Charlotte Library is Certified Sustainable
The Sustainable Libraries Initiative recognizes Charlotte Library
as a leader in sustainability.

Opportunity for SLI Members: Attend the Sustainable Futures Summit 2026 at No Cost

The Sustainable Futures Summit (#SFS26) will take place virtually on March 18–19, 2026 from 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM (ET) each day. This annual event brings together students, educators, community agencies, and sustainability-focused vendors to share ideas, showcase innovative solutions, and explore strategies for building a more sustainable future.

What to Expect:

For Immediate Release
September 30, 2025

The University of Maryland Libraries are Certified Sustainable
The Sustainable Libraries Initiative recognizes The University of Maryland
as a leader in sustainability.

For Immediate Release

September 18, 2025

Ten New York School Librarians become Certified Sustainable

Librarians from across New York City and Long Island are recognized as leaders in sustainability for their work on the SLI’s new nationwide certification program for school librarians.

Climate Resilience & Sustainability: Collections Care for the Future

Sustainability at Our Core
Sustainability is the promise libraries make to future generations—ensuring they remain steadfast cornerstones of community life and collective prosperity. This article from American Libraries explores how libraries across the country are putting sustainability at the center of their work.

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative, is proud to provide the tools, resources, and community to help libraries live out this commitment every day.

For Immediate Release
August 27, 2025

Sustainable Libraries Initiative Partners with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries
 The Sustainable Libraries Initiative partners with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries to cultivate library leadership for community resilience.