Library-School Partnership Request for Proposal (RFP)
Enhancing library access for youth and families through their local schools
Libraries Without Borders US (LWB US) is growing its partnership base across the country in order to increase library access and usage for underserved youth and families! This initiative aims to enhance partnerships between local schools, school libraries, and public libraries.
Through this Request for Proposal (RFP), LWB US will select five (5) public libraries or library systems with high levels of community need and a commitment to sustain successful efforts launched through the partnership.
Selected partners will receive technical assistance for community data collection and analysis, strategy and development for school-library partnerships, implementation support, ongoing evaluation, and sustainability planning. To nurture a successful partnership, LWB US will provide supplies and materials up to $5,000 to support the implementation of school-library initiatives. Please note that LWB US is not a grant funder. We partner with public libraries and library systems in order to increase community access to and engagement with resources and offerings.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted July 1, 2025 through July 31, 2025.
See Library-School Partnership RFP for more details and submission instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Public libraries are trusted spaces that provide critical information, educational opportunities, and community resources for underserved families and children. Families and children facing multiple barriers may not be able to access the valuable resources and services available at their local libraries.
By bringing the public library to school, we break down these barriers and build familiarity, increasing access for underserved children and families while increasing the likelihood of continued engagement with their local library.
Strategies and solutions supported through this RFP may include awareness-building activities through the creation of library points within schools, targeted outreach through school channels and engagement through school offerings and events, offering services and programming on-site in schools, and/or facilitating resource and collection sharing (for teachers/school staff as well as children and families) between library and school systems.
LWB US is also interested in other ideas or opportunities proposed that will increase library access for underserved children and families.
Applicants must be a Public Library or Public Library System (accessible by the general public and funded from public sources) operating within the United States.
Competitive partnership applicants will:
- Serve a community with a high representation of underserved population/s.
- Demonstrate a commitment to community engagement through existing outreach efforts.
- Have an established relationship with local schools and/or a commitment from local school systems to engage through this partnership at the elementary, middle, and/or high school level.
- Have dedicated staff capacity to actively engage in this partnership.
- Indicate a commitment to sustaining and expanding successful efforts launched through this partnership.
This partnership covers up to $5,000 to support the direct costs of establishing and enhancing outreach and access within their local school system. LWB US and partners will collectively determine appropriate use of funds. Funds will not support staffing or other indirect program costs. Please note that LWB US is not a grantor.
Other Questions?
See the Library-School Partnership RFP for more details and submission instructions. Additional questions regarding this RFP will be accepted through July 25, 2025 and can be directed to LWB US Program Manager at vanesha@librarieswithoutborders.us.