Twelve public libraries in Vermont and New Hampshire are recipients of
the Rural Library grant awarded by the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF). This grant, valued
at over $7,000, provides new library books for the public and school libraries, literacy
programming events, storytelling sessions, book giveaways and more over the course of the
2024-25 school year.
“CLiF’s Rural Library grant program is a wonderful way to support libraries by generating
awareness and enthusiasm through in-person events and book giveaways for local children,”
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.”
Awarded annually to selected public libraries in the Twin States, CLiF’s Rural Library grant is
designed to help small-town libraries create excitement around literacy, update their
collections, increase circulation, and strengthen community ties.
“Libraries are a vital community resource, and a big part of this grant is about getting children
and their parents better acquainted with all that their local library has to offer,” CLiF Executive
Director Laura Rice said. “CLiF bolsters librarians’ community outreach efforts by providing
funding for new books, literacy events, and other fun initiatives intended to draw the public
in.”
Each of the chosen sites will receive two storytelling performances hosted by CLiF’s professional
presenters, new books for the public library, new books for the local elementary school library,
a mini-grant for library family programming, and new books for children to choose and keep.
“This was a competitive grant year with far more applicants than we could fund, and the
interest in the grant shows that small public libraries are eager to connect with their
communities and boost engagement around reading,” Willner said.
To be considered for the grant, libraries must be located in New Hampshire or Vermont towns
with a population of 5,000 or less, and show demonstrated need. Since 1998, CLiF has
partnered with approximately 90 percent of libraries in both states that fall into that category.
The 2024-2025 CLiF Rural Library grantees are:
- Barnet Public Library – Barnet, VT
- Chichester Town Library – Chichester, NH
- Davies Memorial Library – Lower Waterford, VT
- Gilmanton Year-Round Library Association – Gilmanton, NH
- Gilsum Public Library – Gilsum, NH
- Latham Memorial Library – Thetford, VT
- Montgomery Town Library – Montgomery Center, VT
- New Haven Community Library – New Haven, VT
- Oscar Foss Memorial Library – Center Barnstead, NH
- Rosalind Keshin Kittay Public Library – Rupert, VT
- Stephenson Memorial Library – Greenfield, NH
- Whiting Library – Chester, VT
