Finding funding is tough in 2026. If you are a school librarian, you may be asking a question that’s on a lot of minds. That question is, “Know of any grants for new books?” Finding current, accurate grant information for school libraries takes longer than it should. Here is a working list of ten grants worth knowing about, with their current status and when the next application window opens.
Where Things Stand in Spring 2026
Most of the major annual grant cycles have already closed for 2026, but that is not a reason to stop paying attention. Several windows open this fall, and one source of funding is available right now. The time to prepare an application is before the deadline. Consider keeping this list updated in your browser bookmarks because a good grant application rarely comes together in a single sitting.
The table below gives you the full picture at a glance.
| Grant | 2026 Status | Next Window |
|---|---|---|
| Dollar General Youth Literacy Grant | Closed April 2, 2026 | Early 2027 |
| AASL Innovative Reading Grant | Closed Feb 1, 2026 | September 2026 |
| Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries | Opens fall each year | September/October 2026 |
| Snapdragon Book Foundation | Closed Feb 8, 2026 | November 2026 |
| Jan Stauber Literacy Grant | Closed for 2026 | January 2027 |
| Books Save Lives Grant | Closed for 2026 | February 2027 |
| Peggy Barber Tribute Grant | Closed Feb 2, 2026 | December 2026 |
| Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants | Closed Jan 11, 2026 | October 2026 |
| AAE Foundation Classroom Grant | Spring cycle closed | August 2026 |
| First Book Marketplace | Open now (ongoing) | No single deadline |
Apply Now
First Book Marketplace is the one on this list that does not follow an annual cycle. Instead of a single application window, First Book provides rolling funding, promotional codes. It also offers OMG Books awards throughout the year for educators serving low-income communities. If your campus qualifies, this is the place to start while you wait for other deadlines to open. Create an account, verify your eligibility, and check back from time to time. The list of available books and credits changes.
The AAE Foundation Classroom Grant awards $500 grants twice a year. The Spring 2026 cycle just closed in March. However, the Autumn cycle opens in August with an October deadline. That five hundred dollars may get you a substantial number of books for a classroom library.
Set a Reminder for Fall 2026
Several strong options open up between August and December. Keep an eye on this window of time.
- The AASL Innovative Reading Grant opens in September for the 2027 award cycle. This one comes from the American Association of School Librarians. It recognizes programs that encourage reading, particularly through the use of nontraditional formats.
- The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries focuses specifically on diversifying and updating collections for Title I schools. Applications typically open in September or October and close in late November or December. Note the Title I requirement.
- The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries posts information for the next cycle in October. If your library serves students who connect with graphic novels, this grant exists for exactly that reason. The 2026 deadline was January 11, so you have time to prepare a strong application for 2027.
- The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant opens in December each year. It is an ALA grant worth tracking.
Mark Your Calendar for Early 2027
If you’re looking ahead to 2027, consider these four candidates for funding sources:
- The Dollar General Youth Literacy Grant typically runs a Youth Literacy cycle with an early spring deadline. The 2026 application closed April 2, and the next window is expected in early 2027. Dollar General also runs a Summer Reading cycle that usually closes in February, so early January is when you want to start watching their site.
- The Snapdragon Book Foundation reopens in November 2026 for the 2027 award cycle.
- The Books Save Lives Grant from We Need Diverse Books prioritizes school libraries affected by book bans and typically opens in February. If that situation applies to your campus, this grant is worth the preparation time.
- The Jan Stauber Literacy Grant from the Beacon Society returns in January 2027.
Finding the right grant that matches your campus situation can be tough. Work hard to match up your needs to what’s available.
What to Do Right Now
Some places to start appear below:
- If you serve a low-income community, log into First Book Marketplace today.
- If you have a Title I campus and a collection that needs updating, pull up the Laura Bush Foundation page now and read the eligibility requirements.
- If you teach classroom teachers rather than serve a library directly, flag the AAE Foundation August open date on your calendar.
Remember to start before the deadline.
For more on building effective school-community partnerships that strengthen library programs, explore TCEA’s professional learning opportunities.
Did You Know? TCEA’s Teacher-Library Collaboration online course (12 CPE hours) walks educators through practical strategies for building partnerships between classroom instruction and library programming. It is a strong companion to any grant effort focused on expanding student reading access.