How Trump changed federal grant guidelines for libraries

Jaimie Seaton writes: “The Institute of Museum and Library Services is now accepting applications for its 2026 grant cycle. But this time, it has unusually specific criteria. In cover letters accompanying the applications, the institute said it ‘particularly welcomes’ projects that align with President Donald Trump’s vision for America. The solicitation marks a stark departure for the agency, whose guidelines were previously apolitical and focused on merit. Former agency leaders from both political parties, as well as those of library, historical, and museum associations, expressed concern that funded projects could encourage a more constrained or distorted view of American history.”

ProPublica, Feb. 6

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Jessica Brownley writes: “March Madness isn’t just for basketball—it’s a perfect theme to get kids excited about reading. At our library, we combined the thrill of the tournament with a love of books by hosting a ‘Tournament of Book Characters.’ It’s a creative way to combine literacy and fun, giving kids a hands-on, interactive reading experience that mirrors the excitement of sports tournaments. With a visually engaging bracket, clear voting options, and a variety of books, your library can make March Madness memorable for all young readers. Here’s how we set it up.”

ALSC Blog, Mar. 9
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Zoë McLaughlin writes: “It’s March, which means the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II deadline for large institutions is looming near. I spend roughly 25% of my time on accessibility, meaning that Title II is top of mind for me right now. The ADA has been in place since 1990—it isn’t new—but there have been some recent changes, especially with regard to electronic resources. One facet of our response to Title II has been focusing on web accessibility. This means making sure that library users can access, read, and use library webpages and other electronic materials.”

ACRLog, Mar. 7
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Dan Montgomery writes: “These past few months as executive director have been a whirlwind learning experience—unlike anything else in my life—and I have enjoyed the heck out of it. One of the most powerful insights I’ve gained is a deeper understanding of our Association’s advocacy work: what it truly means to advocate for libraries, for librarianship, for all library workers, and for the right to read and access information equitably and freely across our nation.”

American Libraries column, Mar./Apr.
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Voting in the 2026 ALA Election began March 9. ALA members can cast their votes for 2027–2028 ALA president and 2026–2029 councilors-at-large, vote on three bylaw amendments, and participate in divisional and round table elections. The election period runs through April 1. Read candidate statements from presidential candidates Tamika Barnes and Becky Calzada, and watch a recording of the candidates forum.

ALA Governance Office; American Libraries feature, Mar./Apr.
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Lorenzo Tondo writes: “Firefighters in Sicily have rescued about 400 rare books from the private Angelo Marsiano library in Niscemi that hangs on the edge of a mudflow, after a devastating landslide in January tore away an entire slope of the town. The library stands on the lip of the precipice gouged out by the landslide, with part of the building in effect hanging in mid-air. The library holds about 4,000 books of literature, history, and general nonfiction, including a number of rare editions dating from before 1830 on Sicilian history.”

The Guardian, Feb. 27; Italian Library Association, Feb. 5
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Anne Cantrell writes: “As libraries grapple with how to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in responsible and ethical ways, Montana State University Library researchers are offering a new, free resource to help those institutions make decisions about AI that align with their values. Viewfinder is a new toolkit designed to support librarians, researchers, and others as they consider whether and how to implement AI tools in their libraries and archives. The toolkit invites users to identify stakeholders and consider which values are of concern.”

Montana State University, Feb. 23
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“Over the past few weeks, Iran has once again moved to the forefront of international attention. With events moving quickly and several policy strands converging at once, having clear and reliable reference points is essential. To support colleagues following these developments, the European Council Library has prepared a dedicated library guide on Iran. It brings together key European Union (EU) documents, background material, books and articles, media sources, and external analysis in one structured place—helping to connect immediate decisions with the wider framework of EU-Iran relations.”

European Council Library, Mar. 2

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