Apply now for the Great Stories Club, a thematic reading and discussion program that engages teens who are facing difficult challenges through literature-based library outreach programs.

For this round of grants, library workers may apply to host one themed series: "Deeper Than Our Skins” or “Finding Your Voice."

Library workers may apply online for grant funding until March 15, 2023 at ala.org/tools/programming/greatstories/apply.

Up to 50 libraries will be selected to receive a "Deeper Than Our Skins" grant, and up to 50 libraries will be selected to receive a "Finding Your Voice" grant.

Participating libraries will work with small groups of approximately 10 teens; provide up to four theme-related books for each participant to keep as their own; and convene opportunities for exploration and discussion of relevant humanities content among peers. Book discussions will be led by an experienced programming librarian, often in cooperation with staff from a partner organization or department, such as teachers and counselors.

Because the Great Stories Club seeks to engage libraries in different areas of the country, serving high-need and diverse groups of teen readers, ALA invites interested librarians to get in touch if there is a specific need for flexibility with the program model or requirements.

Applications will be accepted from all types of libraries (public, school, academic, special, etc.) in the United States and its territories that meet one of the following criteria:

• The applicant library is located within an organization that reaches underserved, under-resourced, and/or at-risk teens (e.g., alternative high school, juvenile detention facility, tribal library), OR;
• The applicant library is working with a partner organization that reaches underserved, under-resourced, and/or at-risk teens. Possible partner organizations include but are not limited to juvenile justice facilities, drug/alcohol rehabilitation centers, nonprofits serving teen parents, alternative high schools, agencies serving teenaged foster children, and shelters serving young adults and families experiencing homelessness

Learn more about the benefits and requirements for selected sites.

Implementation of both series is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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