Overview
The Civic Makers Lab is a grant and peer-learning program that equips librarians to serve as civic learning facilitators, and empowers young adults ages 18-24 to be active contributors to their communities. Through experiential civic learning (the process of acquiring civic knowledge and skills through action), libraries will build new pathways for young adults into civic life, rooted in curiosity, connection, and community problem-solving, rather than partisanship.
Why This Matters
Young people see libraries as safe, inclusive spaces where questions are welcome, ideas can be explored, and community life is visible. At a moment when civic education is fragmented or politicized, libraries can play a defining role in strengthening civic health through hands-on, real-world learning.
Program Objectives
- Train librarians in experiential civic learning
- Expand civic learning opportunities for young adults
- Strengthen local civic ecosystems through partnerships
- Build a national network of civic-minded libraries
- Generate new, replicable models of civic engagement
Who Should Apply
The program is designed for any library staff who work with young adults ages 18-24 with an interest in civic life. Libraries with varied experience levels with this work are encouraged to apply.
This opportunity is only open to ULC member libraries based in the United States.
8-10 Selected Libraries Will Receive:
- $15,000 of program support funds
- Support for one staff member to travel to two 1.5-day in-person convenings hosted by ULC
- Skill-building for staff focused on topics including youth engagement and co-creation, civic program/service design, facilitation, and stakeholder alignment
- Access to a national network of libraries implementing civic learning models
- Access to expert guidance, including office hours with ULC staff
Selected Libraries Will Be Expected To:
- Implement young adult civic learning experiences such as simulations, community design challenges, project-based civic action, and civic awareness campaigns, including a micro-pilot and at least one larger project
- Attend two 1.5-day in-person convenings and monthly virtual cohort meetings from June 2026 to November 2027
- Participate in ULC-led evaluation and grant reporting activities
What Young Adults Gain
Young adult program participants will gain civic skills, knowledge, and dispositions; hands-on leadership experience; opportunities for community contribution; and a stronger sense of belonging and agency.
Applications Launch February 4
Applications are due March 4, 2026 and selected libraries will be informed by March 30, 2026.
Contact ULC Senior Program Manager Katie Sullivan with any questions at ksullivan@urbanlibraries.org.
Learn More at our Info Session
Join us for an info session on the Civic Makers Lab on Tuesday, February 17 at 1 p.m. ET.