Earlier this summer, CLiF selected 12 public rural libraries–six in Vermont, and six in New Hampshire–as recipients of our 2025–2026 Rural Library program. Components of the $8,000 grant include new children’s books for the public and local elementary school libraries, literacy programming, storytelling sessions, book giveaways, community engagement resources, project support, and more.
The grant, which is CLiF’s longest running program, is awarded annually to selected small-town libraries to help them generate excitement around reading and writing, refresh their collections, increase circulation, and strengthen community connections. This year’s grant was expanded to include a summer kickoff event with free books and a professional storyteller at each site; circulating early childhood book kits; board books for children ages 0–5; a selection from a menu of bonus materials worth $1,000; and a small stipend to recognize the extra time librarians commit to managing the grant.
“CLiF’s Rural Library Grant is all about strengthening connections and building a 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 collection and promote outreach through new titles and events.”
To be eligible for the grant, libraries must be located in New Hampshire or Vermont towns with populations of approximately 5,000 or fewer and demonstrate a clear need. Since 1998, CLiF has partnered with approximately 90 percent of the rural libraries in both states.
“Rural public libraries are vital resources to the communities they serve,” CLiF Executive Director Laura Rice said. “CLiF is proud to support the hard work of librarians across both states, and to help create enthusiasm around these rare spaces where all are welcome.
The 2025-2026 CLiF Rural Library grantees are:
VERMONT:
Alice M. Ward Memorial Library (Canaan, VT)
Baldwin Memorial Library (Wells River, VT)
Blake Memorial Library (East Corinth, VT)
Highgate Library & Community Center (Highgate Center, VT)
Middletown Springs Public Library (Middletown Springs, VT)
Pope Memorial Library (Danville, VT)
NEW HAMPSHIRE:
Bethlehem Public Library (Bethlehem, NH)
Cook Memorial Library (Tamworth, NH)
Gay Kimball Library (Troy, NH)
Hall Memorial Library (Northfield, NH)
Mason Public Library (Mason, NH)
Shedd-Porter Memorial Library (Alstead, NH)
