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Community Engagement for Libraries

Resources to help support welcoming communities, staff, spaces and services

December 2025: Welcoming Oregon Libraries

Welcoming Oregon Libraries: December 2025

A monthly guide of information, resources, trainings and reflection topics to help create inclusive and welcoming libraries in Oregon!

(Previous month(s) can be found by scrolling to the bottom of this page)

 

HIGHLIGHTS:

LSTA listening session

The survey is still open for LSTA Library Services Technology Act (LSTA) funding priorities, and there is one virtual session left, on Wednesday, December 3 from 9-10:30 am. Sign up is in the survey. 
If you’ve already taken the survey so can no longer access the Dec. 3 virtual meeting information, try pasting the survey URL into a private or incognito browser session. Or, ask for the access information.

VIRTUAL MEETUPS

Oregon based and National Library Worker meetup groups; various days and times

Please consider filling out this short survey before 12/31, which will capture feedback/suggestions/needs for both the DEI general meetup and affinity groups. There will be no virtual DEI or affinity group meetups in January 2026

FUNDING/GRANT OPPORTUNITIES/SCHOLARSHIPS 

^ Grant information provided by The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)

  • T-Mobile Hometown Grants^
    T-Mobile is committing up to $25 million through 2026 to support small towns, villages, and territories across America by funding community projects to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. FAQ’s | Applications close December 31, 2025, at 9:59 p.m. PST

  • Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small & Rural Communities 
    $14 million+ in grants will be offered to small and rural libraries to increase accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities. Libraries must serve a population of 25k or less & be located at least 5 miles from urbanized areas. Individual grants range from $10,000- $20,000, distributed across 4 rounds over 4 years. Applications are open until December 11, 2025
     
  • Penguin Random House & United for Libraries: Grants to U.S. Small & Rural Libraries
    Penguin Random House and United for Libraries recently announced a 2026 grant program serving rural and small libraries across the country. Grants of $500 and $1,000 (totaling $25,000), will be awarded to support libraries in need. Specifically, grant funds will assist Friends of Library groups, or nonprofit groups that support and fundraise for libraries in their communities, with priority projects. In-kind book donation grants of $500 will also be awarded to 20 libraries to purchase Penguin Random House titles. Applications open Dec. 17, 2025 - Jan. 21, 2026

 Register for informational session and on-demand training

  • Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries 2025 Grant^
    The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries provides funds to our nation’s neediest schools so that they can extend, update, and diversify the book and print collections in their libraries with the goal of encouraging students to develop a love of reading and learning. Find eligibility requirements, key dates and link to the application here. Applications open until 9:59p PST on December 31, 2025.
    *If your school library is awarded a grant, all funds must be spent by December 31, 2026.
     
  • The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read^
    The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read is a program that awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to organizations to help bring communities together around the shared activity of reading and discussing the same book. Programming for the 2026-2027 grant cycle will center around the theme America250. Intent to Apply deadline is January 15, 2026. Full applications due January 29, 2026.

  • Oregon Humanities Mini-Grants for Libraries
    In 2026, Oregon Humanities will award up to $25,000 in funding to enable Oregon libraries to create and host events reflecting the 2026 theme Beyond 250, in their own communities. The max award per organization is $3,000. Awards can fund one or multiple events. Public, volunteer, community college, and tribal libraries and library branches located in Oregon are all eligible. Find additional details, materials and timeline here. Applications close January 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PT

Current Oregon Library Association (OLA) Scholarships

OLA EDI & Antiracism Committee’s Professional Development Scholarships

Scholarships to support EDI & Antiracism professional development for library staff, volunteers, and library-job seekers in Oregon.  Application reviewed on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
For more information and link to application, visit here. (OLA membership is not required)

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Free Virtual
Find additional trainings: State Library of Oregon’s Continuing Education Calendar

​​​​​On-Demand

Accessibility Partners: Building Inclusive Experiences in Libraries  (American Libraries Live) | Archived Webinar | 1 hour | November 2024

Fee-based Virtual (*see information below about scholarship opportunities)

In-Person Learning ( *see information below about scholarship opportunities)

OREGON:

Online Northwest Conference- Reimagining Connections, Reframing Communications, and Redefining Collaboration (Hosted by Orbis Cascade Alliance)
Save the Date: April 10, 2026 | University of Oregon Portland Campus 
Proposals for presentations  through December 16 | Registration to open in January

NATIONAL:

Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (RBMS)  Conference
June 23-26, 2026 | Milwaukee, WI | Hyatt Regency | Registration not open

American Library Association Annual Conference (ALA Annual)
June 25-29, 2026 | Chicago, IL | McCormick Place- Chicago | Registration not open

Joint Conference of Librarians of Color (JCLC)
October 7-11, 2026 | Spokane, WA | Spokane Convention Center | Registration not open

Othering & Belonging Conference (Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkley)
October 9-10, 2026 + | Louisville, KY | *Prices unknown, Registration open
+ Note date changed from March 31-April 1, 2026

Association of College and Research Librarians (ACRL) Conference
April 7-10, 2027| Portland, Oregon | Registration not open
Check the Apply for Scholarships page for details on attendance support.

REFORMA National Conference RNC IX
2027| Denver, CO | Dates and Prices unknown

*OLA EDI & Antiracism Committee’s Professional Development Scholarships. For more information and link to application, visit here

INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION 

Book icon. Book icon simple sign. Book icon isolated on with background. Vector illustration of book icon free vector. 7165333 Vector Art at Vecteezy
Read:

(Study & Action Guide)  Emergent Strategy to Build Transformative Library Teams (Stoll Farrell, Nov 2025; Library Leadership & Management)

(Blog Post) The 7 Types of Rest Librarians Actually Need and How to Get Them (Newman, Nov 2025; Librarian by Day Blog)

Television with solid fill
 Watch:

(Documentary Special) Uncovering Boarding Schools: Stories of Resistance and Resilience (PBS, Nov. 2025; <57 mins. Access expires: 1/1/2026. Content Warning). Chronicles present-day efforts by Klamath tribal members to uncover the difficult and often hidden history of Indigenous children forced into government-sanctioned boarding schools.

(Animated short video) Leading the Way: Father Figures (StoryCorps, 2022; <3 mins).

John Washington was born blind and developed a severe loss of hearing overtime. In a conversation with his daughter, John shares the pride he took in raising his children.

Headphones with solid fill
Listen:

(Podcast) Shelf Care Podcast, Ep 44: A Tale of Two Sara(h)s (Booklist; 37 mins, 2025). Librarian and Booklister Sara Martínez talks about REFORMA’s National Book Award winner and tips for Spanish-language collection development. Then, Sarah Hunter, Editor, Books for Youth and Graphic Novels, drops some book suggestions perfect for fall reading.

(Podcast) EP 1: Real Solutions Podcast Launch! (Othering & Belonging Institute; 78 mins, Oct. 2025). Hear from 10 leading advocates from organizations around the country fighting for a fair and just society! In the three-part conversation, the speakers delve into three critical questions.

 

Head with gears with solid fill
Reflect:

December Observances (not a complete list):

Universal Human Rights Month

December 3: International Day for People with Disabilities

December 9: International Genocide Prevention Day

December 10: International Human Rights Day

Dec. 26- Jan. 1: Kwanzaa (Celebration of African Customs & Cultures)

FUNDING/GRANT OPPORTUNITIES/SCHOLARSHIPS 
^ Grant information provided by The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)

 

  • T-Mobile Hometown Grants^
    T-Mobile is committing up to $25 million through 2026 to support small towns, villages, and territories across America by funding community projects to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. FAQ’s | Applications close December 31, 2025, at 9:59 p.m. PST

  • Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small & Rural Communities 
    $14 million+ in grants will be offered to small and rural libraries to increase accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities. Libraries must serve a population of 25k or less & be located at least 5 miles from urbanized areas. Individual grants range from $10,000- $20,000, distributed across 4 rounds over 4 years.
    Round 4 Applications are open until December 11, 2025
     
  • Penguin Random House & United for Libraries: Grants to U.S. Small & Rural Libraries
    Penguin Random House and United for Libraries recently announced a 2026 grant program serving rural and small libraries across the country. Grants of $500 and $1,000 (totaling $25,000), will be awarded to support libraries in need. Specifically, grant funds will assist Friends of Library groups, or nonprofit groups that support and fundraise for libraries in their communities, with priority projects. In-kind book donation grants of $500 will also be awarded to 20 libraries to purchase Penguin Random House titles.
    Applications open Dec. 17, 2025-Jan. 21, 2026

 Register for informational session and on-demand training

  • Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries 2025 Grant^
    The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries provides funds to our nation’s neediest schools so that they can extend, update, and diversify the book and print collections in their libraries with the goal of encouraging students to develop a love of reading and learning. Find eligibility requirements, key dates and link to the application here.
    Applications open until 9:59p PST on December 31, 2025.
    *If your school library is awarded a grant, all funds must be spent by December 31, 2026.
     
  • The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read^
    The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read is a program that awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to organizations to help bring communities together around the shared activity of reading and discussing the same book. Programming for the 2026-2027 grant cycle will center around the theme America250. 
    Intent to Apply deadline is January 15, 2026. Full applications due January 29, 2026.

  • Oregon Humanities Mini-Grants for Libraries
    In 2026, Oregon Humanities will award up to $25,000 in funding to enable Oregon libraries to create and host events reflecting the 2026 theme Beyond 250, in their own communities. The max award per organization is $3,000. Awards can fund one or multiple events. Public, volunteer, community college, and tribal libraries and library branches located in Oregon are all eligible. Find additional details, materials and timeline here.
    Applications close January 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PT

Current Oregon Library Association (OLA) Scholarships

OLA EDI & Antiracism Committee’s Professional Development Scholarships

Scholarships to support EDI & Antiracism professional development for library staff, volunteers, and library-job seekers in Oregon.  Application reviewed on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
For more information and link to application, visit here. (OLA membership is not required)

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Free Virtual
Find additional trainings: State Library of Oregon’s Continuing Education Calendar

 

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
​​​​​On-Demand 
 

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Fee-based Virtual Learning Opportunities 
(*see information below about scholarship opportunities)

 

* OLA EDI & Antiracism Committee’s Professional Development Scholarships. For more information and link to application, visit here

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
In-Person Learning Opportunities
(*see information below about scholarship opportunities)

OREGON:

Online Northwest Conference- Reimagining Connections, Reframing Communications, and Redefining Collaboration (Hosted by Orbis Cascade Alliance)
Save the Date: April 10, 2026 | University of Oregon Portland Campus 
Proposals for presentations  through December 16 | Registration to open in January

NATIONAL:

Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (RBMS)  Conference
June 23-26, 2026 | Milwaukee, WI | Hyatt Regency | Registration not open

American Library Association Annual Conference (ALA Annual)
June 25-29, 2026 | Chicago, IL | McCormick Place- Chicago | Registration not open

Joint Conference of Librarians of Color (JCLC)
October 7-11, 2026 | Spokane, WA | Spokane Convention Center | Registration not open

Othering & Belonging Conference (Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkley)
October 9-10, 2026 + | Louisville, KY | * Prices unknown, Registration open
+ Note date changed from March 31-April 1, 2026

Association of College and Research Librarians (ACRL) Conference
April 7-10, 2027| Portland, Oregon | Registration not open

REFORMA National Conference RNC IX
2027| Denver, CO | Dates and Prices unknown

* OLA EDI & Antiracism Committee’s Professional Development Scholarships. For more information and link to application, visit here

INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION 

 

Book icon. Book icon simple sign. Book icon isolated on with background. Vector illustration of book icon free vector. 7165333 Vector Art at Vecteezy
Read:

(Study & Action Guide) Immigrant Justice Now!  (Catalyst Project: Anti-Racism for Collective Liberation; February 2025)

(Blog Post) The 7 Types of Rest Librarians Actually Need and How to Get Them (Newman, Nov 2025; Librarian by Day Blog)

Television with solid fill
 Watch:

(Documentary Special) Uncovering Boarding Schools: Stories of Resistance and Resilience (PBS, Nov. 2025; <57 mins. Access expires: 1/1/2026. Content Warning). Chronicles present-day efforts by Klamath tribal members to uncover the difficult and often hidden history of Indigenous children forced into government-sanctioned boarding schools.

(Animated short video) Leading the Way: Father Figures (StoryCorps, 2022; <3 mins).

John Washington was born blind and developed a severe loss of hearing overtime. In a conversation with his daughter, John shares the pride he took in raising his children.

Headphones with solid fill
Listen:

(Podcast) Shelf Care Podcast, Ep 44: A Tale of Two Sara(h)s (Booklist; 37 mins, 2025). Librarian and Booklister Sara Martínez talks about REFORMA’s National Book Award winner and tips for Spanish-language collection development. Then, Sarah Hunter, Editor, Books for Youth and Graphic Novels, drops some book suggestions perfect for fall reading.

(Podcast) EP 1: Real Solutions Podcast Launch! (Othering & Belonging Institute; 78 mins, Oct. 2025). Hear from 10 leading advocates from organizations around the country fighting for a fair and just society! In the three-part conversation, the speakers delve into three critical questions.

Head with gears with solid fill
Reflect:

December Observances (not a complete list):

Universal Human Rights Month

December 3: International Day for People with Disabilities

December 9: International Genocide Prevention Day

December 10: International Human Rights Day

Dec. 26- Jan. 1: Kwanzaa (Celebration of African Customs & Cultures)

Welcoming Oregon Libraries Monthly Resources

Welcoming Oregon Libraries: November 2025

A monthly guide of information, resources, trainings and reflection topics to help create inclusive and welcoming libraries in Oregon!

 

HIGHLIGHTS:

2025 OIFC Report
View the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse 2025 Report on challenges in Oregon libraries and educational institutions reported between July 1, 2024 — June 30, 2025. Published September 2025 

Access to WLA'S Trauma Informed Libraries Online Summit
The State Library of Oregon is happy to share that we will be providing free registration for the upcoming Trauma-Informed Libraries Online Summit hosted by Washington Library Association on Tuesday, November 14th. Find a description of the summit, instructions for registering and other key details here.  Please note, if you plan to attend the live summit, please request your free registration code no later than noon on Tuesday, November 11. 

VIRTUAL MEETUPS

Oregon based and National Library Worker meetup groups; various days and times

FUNDING/GRANT OPPORTUNITIES/SCHOLARSHIPS 

^ Grant information provided by The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)

T-Mobile Hometown Grants^

T-Mobile is committing up to $25 million through 2026 to support small towns, villages, and territories across America by funding community projects to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. 
FAQ’s | Applications open Winter: October–December 2025                                           

Believe in Reading Grants

For provably successful literacy programs that have been established for 2+ years. Programs that serve any age or aspect of supporting reading and literacy will be considered, including adult literacy, English as a second language projects, or Braille related projects for the blind or visually impaired.
Applications reviewed as received

Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small & Rural Communities Round 4^

$14 million+ in grants will be offered to small and rural libraries to increase accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities. Libraries must serve a population of 25k or less & be located at least 5 miles from urbanized areas. Individual grants range from $10,000- $20,000, distributed across 4 rounds over 4 years.
Round 4 Applications are open until December 11, 2025

Oregon Department of Education Student Success Grants

ODE is accepting applications for the 2026-2028 Immigrant/Refugee Student Success Plan Grant. This Grant is being made available to early learning hubs, providers of early learning services, school districts, education service districts, post-secondary institutions of education, tribal governments and community-based organizations to address the objectives in the Immigrant/Refugee Student Success Plan. The intent is to award 16 grants.
Learn More & apply by December 1, 2025 (scroll to right of page for attachments)                                                         

Penguin Random House & United for Libraries: Grants to U.S. Small & Rural Libraries

Penguin Random House and United for Libraries recently announced a 2026 grant program serving rural and small libraries across the country. Grants of $500 and $1,000 (totaling $25,000), will be awarded to support libraries in need. Specifically, grant funds will assist Friends of Library groups, or nonprofit groups that support and fundraise for libraries in their communities, with priority projects. In-kind book donation grants of $500 will also be awarded to 20 libraries to purchase Penguin Random House titles.
Applications open Dec. 17, 2025-Jan. 21, 2026 | Register for information session and on-demand training

Oregon Humanities Mini-Grants for Libraries

In 2026, Oregon Humanities will award up to $25,000 in funding to enable Oregon libraries to create and host events reflecting the 2026 theme Beyond 250, in their own communities. The max award per organization is $3,000. Awards can fund one or multiple events. Public, volunteer, community college, and tribal libraries and library branches located in Oregon are all eligible. Find additional details, materials and timeline here.
Applications open November 5, 2025 – January 16, 2026

 

Current Oregon Library Association (OLA) Scholarships

OLA EDI & Antiracism Committee’s Professional Development Scholarships

Scholarships to support EDI & Antiracism professional development for library staff, volunteers, and library-job seekers in Oregon.  Application reviewed on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
For more information and link to application, visit here. (OLA membership is not required)

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Free Virtual

Find additional trainings: State Library of Oregon’s Continuing Education Calendar

  • edWeb.net – a few November webinar offerings (For full calendar, check here):

Growing & Supporting a Diverse Teacher Workforce 
Monday, November 3, 9-10a

Launching a Literacy Improvement Program: How a District Responded to a Community’s Needs 
Monday, November 3, 10-11a

Nurturing Neurodiversity in Early Childhood: Creative Strategies to Support Neurodivergent Children (Sponsored by Gryphon House) 
Wednesday, November 5, 11a-noon

Redefining Dyslexia: What Every Educator Should Know About the 2025 IDA Update
Monday November 11, 9-10a

Multilingual Learners & Handwriting: Building Confidence, Language, & Literacy
Tuesday, November 11, 11a-noon

  • Right To Be- a few November training offerings (For full calendar, check here):

Bystander Intervention to Support Trans* Equality | Wednesday, November 12, 1-2p

Emotional Intelligence for Culture Change: Awareness, Accountability & Impact | Monday, November 24, 10-11a 

Stand Up! Against Street Harassment for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women | Tuesday, November 25, 10:30-11:30a

​​​​​On-Demand

Fee-based Virtual (*see information below about scholarship opportunities)

November 5th - Creating audience architypes for audience connection

November 12th - Using data & metrics to build success and audience connection

November 19th - Building engaging content using different AI tools

December 3rd - Navigating social media crisis and pushback

In-Person Learning (*see information below about scholarship opportunities)

OREGON:

Online Northwest Conference- Reimagining Connections, Reframing Communications, and Redefining Collaboration (Hosted by Orbis Cascade Alliance)
Save the Date: April 10, 2026 | University of Oregon Portland Campus 
Proposals for presentations  through December 16 | Registration to open in January

NATIONAL:

Othering & Belonging Conference (Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkley)
March 31-April 1, 2026, | Louisville, KY | *Prices unknown, Registration open

Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (RBMS)  Conference
June 23-26, 2026 | Milwaukee, WI | Hyatt Regency | Registration not open

American Library Association Annual Conference (ALA Annual)
June 25-29, 2026 | Chicago, IL | McCormick Place- Chicago | Registration not open

Joint Conference of Librarians of Color (JCLC)
October 7-11, 2026 | Spokane, WA | Spokane Convention Center | Registration not open

Association of College and Research Librarians (ACRL) Conference
April 7-10, 2027| Portland, Oregon | Registration not open

REFORMA National Conference RNC IX
2027| Denver, CO | Dates and Prices unknown

*OLA EDI & Antiracism Committee’s Professional Development Scholarships. For more information and link to application, visit here

INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION 

Storytelling with solid fill
Read:

(Study & Action Guide) Immigrant Justice Now!  (Catalyst Project: Anti-Racism for Collective Liberation; February 2025)

(Article) Reframing Organizational Practices through a Justice Lens: A Study on the Experiences of Racialized Librarians in Academic Libraries (Silvia Si Wing Vong, Elaina Norlin, and Allan Cho; ACRL, College & Research Libraries; September 2025)

(Excerpt) Hemblecha, An excerpt from Cepka: A Memoir in Beaded Essays (Leah Altman, Oct. 2025; Beyond the Margins, Oregon Humanities)

 

Television with solid fill
 Watch:

(Video) A History of Indigenous Women with Lily Gladstone: Ep 19 of Crash Course Native American History (14mins, Oct. 14, 2025; Crash Course, YouTube)

(Introductory Video) Welcome to the Japanese American Museum of Oregon (2 mins; 2021, Japanese American Museum of Oregon, YouTube)

Headphones with solid fill
  Listen:

(Podcast) The Evolution of Día De Los Muertos (35 mins, November 2023;  1A Podcast, NPR)

(Podcast) Indigenous Systems of Knowledge with Dr. Sandy Littletree

(57m; S2, Ep. 6, OVERDUE: Weeding Out Oppression in Libraries Podcast, OLA EDI & Antiracism Committee; August 2023)

                                                         

Head with gears with solid fill
Reflect:

November Observances (not a complete list):

November 1-30- Native American Heritage Month

November 1-2 – Dia de los Muertos

November 9 – World Adoption Day

November 13 – World Kindness Day

November 16 – International Day for Tolerance

November 20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 20 – Universal Children’s Day (Human Rights, U.N.)