For the 2025-26 school year, applications are due May 25, 2025 with grant notifications by mid-June.

GRANT RECIPIENTS RECEIVE: 

• CLiF author/illustrator visit and book giveaway at the library to kickoff the grant in Summer 2025.
• $2,000 in retail value of new children’s books for the public library, to be chosen by the public librarian from CLiF's extensive book list. 
• $500 in retail value of new children’s books for the elementary school library, to be chosen by the school librarian from CLiF's extensive book list. 
• Storytelling presentation at the local elementary school for all students K-6, to be held in September-November 2025. The public and school librarians will showcase their new library books purchased with the CLiF grant.
• Author/illustrator visit & book giveaway at the local elementary school or public library to be held in May or June 2026. Each student will be able to select one book to take home provided by CLiF plus an author/illustrator visit. 
• Board books for children (and their families) ages 0-5 to be shared at the library, partner preschool, or local childcare center. 
• Take home literacy kits for children (and their families) ages 0-5 to add to library circulation.
• $200 mini-grant for family programming. This can be used for supplies, food, staff time, special guest, etc. 
• $1000 library choice for you to select one: 1) Additional library books; 2) Children's section upgrades; 3) Transportation reimbursement for school students to visit the library; 4) Summer, vacation week, homeschool, and/or afterschool programming; or 5) Family literacy event.
   

ELIGIBILITY:

• Public library in Vermont or New Hampshire.
• Self-identify as serving "rural" communities. 
• Limited budget, libraries with annual budget of less than $125,000 generally given preference.
• Demonstrated community need. 
• Demonstrated commitment to partner with the local elementary school, child care centers, and community members.
• Must be a minimum of five years since the conclusion of your last Rural Library grant.
   

GRANT COODINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Main point person for the grant and available by email.
• Attend Zoom grant training session in June 2025. 
• Take photos, attendance data, and provide grant final reporting information.
• Coordinate with the elementary school for the author/illustrator visit(s) and book giveaway. 
• CLiF offers a $200 stipend to coordinators in appreciation of their time.