Meet CLiF's 2026-2027 Rural Library Grant Cohort

Press Release

Twelve public libraries in Vermont and New Hampshire have been selected by the Children's Literacy Foundation (CLiF) to receive a 2026-2027 Rural Library Grant valued at approximately $8,000.

The grant includes new children's books for both the public library and local elementary school library, literacy programming, storytelling events, book giveaways, community engagement resources, project support, and more. 

CLiF's Rural Library Grant, the organization's longest-running program, is awarded annually to small-town libraries to help generate excitement around reading and writing, refresh collections, increase circulation, and strengthen community connections. The grant also encourages collaboration between participating libraries and local elementary schools to expand literacy opportunities and maximize community impact.

"CLiF's Rural Library Grant offers incredible support for a public library to build community around literacy," said CLiF Program Manager Cassie Willner. "In addition, we know how important it is to help small libraries update and diversify their children's book collections while creating opportunities for families to engage with reading through new books and events."

To be eligible, libraries must be located in New Hampshire or Vermont communities with populations of approximately 5,000 or fewer and demonstrate a clear need. Since launching the program in 1998, CLiF has partnered with approximately 90 percent of the rural libraries across both states.

"Rural public libraries are vital resources for the communities they serve," said CLiF Executive Director Laura Rice. "CLiF is proud to support the work of librarians throughout Vermont and help create enthusiasm around these welcoming spaces where children and families can discover books, connect with one another, and build a lifelong love of reading."

The Vermont recipients are:

• Brown Public Library - Northfield

• Burke Mountain Club Library - East Burke

• Fair Haven Free Library - Fair Haven

• John G. McCullough Free Library - North Bennington

• Morristown Centennial Library - Morrisville

• Orwell Free Library - Orwell

• Stamford Community Library - Stamford

The New Hampshire recipients are:

• Abbie Greenleaf Library - Franconia

• Andover Public Library and William A. Bachelder Library - Andover

• Dummer-Milan Public Library - Dummer

• Joseph Patch Library - Warren

• Maxfield Public Library - Loudon