Association for Rural & Small Libraries Receives $2 Million Grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York to Launch "Literacy Bridges" Program

This two-year initiative will support digital and basic literacy programming at Carnegie-built libraries in small and rural communities.

Seattle, WA – December 19, 2025 – The Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) today announced a $2 million, 2-year grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York for the "Literacy Bridges: Empowering 21st Century Communities" program.

Through a competitive application process, selected Carnegie-built libraries serving small and rural communities will receive $25,000 grants and professional development to create locally tailored programs addressing adult digital and basic literacy needs. Awarded libraries will be able to craft and personalize their programs to meet their unique community needs. The grant will enable ARSL to build a robust infrastructure to provide professional development, ongoing guidance, and technical assistance to participating libraries throughout the program period.

"The importance of the incredible commitment Carnegie Corporation of New York is making in pledging this level of funding toward small and rural libraries cannot be overstated," said Kate Laughlin, Executive Director of ARSL. "Basic and digital literacy competence contributes to improved health outcomes, increased community engagement, and greater ability for adults to support the future education of generations to come. By focusing on literacy and digital inclusion, libraries can empower adults to participate in society, thereby promoting a healthy democracy fully. This investment continues CCNY's legacy of transformative philanthropy by directly addressing a pressing need across our nation."

“Through Literacy Bridges, we are supporting Carnegie-built libraries as they strengthen adults’ digital and literacy skills. These capabilities are essential to accessing information, participating in community life, and navigating today’s civic landscape,” said Ambika Kapur, program director for Education at
Carnegie Corporation of New York. “This investment reflects our founder Andrew Carnegie’s belief in the role of libraries in equipping local communities to engage fully in society and our commitment to that vision today.”

This grant is part of Carnegie Corporation of New York's December 2025 quarterly board approvals, which included 57 grants supporting the foundation's mission to reduce political polarization through education, democracy, and peace initiatives. It follows the October 2025 launch of Carnegie Libraries 250, a national initiative providing $10,000 grants to all Carnegie libraries in the United States in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

For more information:

CCNY Press Release

About the Association for Rural and Small Libraries:
ARSL builds strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries. As the premier organization representing rural and small libraries, ARSL recognizes their unique needs and is committed to providing an environment that encourages excellence within this community of practice, supporting their goals of service and speaking on behalf of this important constituency.

About Carnegie Corporation of New York:
Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. Today the foundation works to reduce political polarization through philanthropic support for the issues that Carnegie considered most important: education, democracy, and peace.

Media Contacts:
Ainsley Nobara, ARSL Communications Director | [email protected]
Angely Montilla, Carnegie Corporation of New York | [email protected]

Issued December 22, 2025 by the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)