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Libraries and Local News Initiative

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Overview

With support from More Perfect, ULC is launching a national micro-grants pilot to support collaborations between public libraries and local news organizations focused on trusted civic information, community voice, and democratic participation.

The pilot will provide 6–8 micro-grants to library–newsroom teams, along with targeted implementation support, and will culminate in a practical playbook to help replicate promising models nationwide. Projects may expand existing efforts or seed new ones. Libraries with varied experience levels with this work are encouraged to apply.

Pilot activities will align with one or more of the following themes:

  1. Increasing access to and trust in reliable local information - Expanding community access to nonpartisan, high-quality local information.
  2. Increasing community voice and narrative - Strengthening community representation in local storytelling through deeper journalist–community collaboration or co-production.
  3. Creating pathways for democratic participation - Supporting civic dialogue and engagement through the library’s role as a welcoming, low-barrier public space.

Project development will take place from June-October 2026 and implementation will take place from November 2026 – May 2027.

Applications are now closed.

Participating Libraries

The Urban Libraries Council is thrilled to announce that eight ULC member libraries have been selected to participate in the “Libraries and Local News” pilot program, in partnership with More Perfect.

The selected libraries are:

  • Alameda County Library (CA)
  • Allen County Public Library (IN)
  • Anne Arundel County Public Library (MD)
  • Clayton County Library System (GA)
  • Kalamazoo Public Library (MI)
  • Pima County Public Library (AZ)
  • Sacramento Public Library (CA), and
  • Saint Paul Public Library (MN)

Through trainings, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving, these leaders from these libraries will explore ways to strengthen community voices, foster civic dialogue, and build trust in local information ecosystems — creating replicable models that can inspire libraries nationwide.

This work was made possible through the support of the Office of American Possibilities Fund, a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

Libraries & Local News Expectations

Libraries will receive:

  • $7,500-$10,000 of project support funds
  • Skill-building for staff focused on topics including partnership development, community asset mapping, understanding current trends and opportunities in journalism, program or service design, facilitation, and evaluation.
  • Access to a national network of libraries implementing innovative projects related to local news
  • Access to expert ULC guidance and support

Libraries will be expected to:

  • Send at least one project lead to monthly virtual cohort calls, including one longer kickoff training session tentatively scheduled for June 16. After the kickoff, cohort calls will take place monthly through August 2027.
  • Implement one program, service, or initiative to address local information needs in your community between Nov. 2026 and May 2027.
  • Partner with a local news or civic media-affiliated institution or individual.
  • Participate in ULC-led grant reporting and evaluation activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if our library does not have any experience working with local news or does not yet have a specific project idea in mind?

That’s ok, the most important thing is a desire to do this work, and a willingness to try new things. Designing local programs will be part of the cohort process.

How will selections be made?

ULC will select a cohort with an eye toward a diversity of community needs, geographies and levels of experience with this work. Willingness to experiment and to commit fully to the process will be an important criterion as well.

Who from the library should be the program lead? And may multiple staff members participate?

The individual leading the day-to-day program is the best fit to participate, and this position will vary among library systems. We ask that you select a program lead who attends all meetings, but a small number of additional staff (up to 3) may attend meetings as well.

May our library foundation accept the award instead of the library itself?

Yes, as long as library staff will be performing the work associated with the project.

What types of expenses are allowable with the funds?

There will be a budget development process as part of the program, and we will work with you to ensure your budget will facilitate the most impactful program. The only concrete limitation is that funds cannot be used for lobbying or other political campaigns. Otherwise, we ask that you follow your library’s internal guidelines for expenditures.

What kinds of projects might libraries engage with?

Libraries will be guided through an interactive brainstorming and development process with their partners and there are many different avenues a library could take whether they develop an outreach, a program, a new service, a new collection, or some combination therein! While there are already some great examples in existence of how libraries are currently collaborating with local news, the following are intended only to be examples and inspiration: