That All May Read Grant

The Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) is pleased to announce that public libraries throughout Idaho may apply for the That All May Read Grant. This $1,000 grant is designed to assist libraries in building large-print collections, obtaining assistive technology, and/or providing outreach to people who are unable to read standard print or have difficulty holding a book due to a visual impairment, blindness, or other perceptual or physical disability. This grant helps libraries to build the capacity to better serve their communities. It also improves equitable access for Idahoans to information and reading materials in alternate formats.

This grant is being carried out in conjunction with the Idaho Talking Book Service (TBS), a free audiobook library service managed by the ICfL. There are more than 100,000 fiction and nonfiction titles in the TBS collection. The service is available to any Idaho resident who is blind, has a perceptual or reading disability, or is unable to read standard print. As part of the grant, libraries will be required to promote the TBS in order to increase awareness of the program throughout the state.

Submit Applications: January 8 – January 31, 2024

Grant Period: February 25 – September 15, 2024

Apply Now:

The goals of the grant include:

  • To improve equitable access to information and reading materials in alternative formats for those unable to read standard-print books.
  • To increase libraries’ understanding of the communities they serve and the potential difficulties community members might face in accessing or utilizing library resources such as standard-print books.
  • To increase the capacity of libraries to better serve this segment of the community.
  • To increase statewide awareness of the Idaho Talking Book Service.

Who can apply:

  • Open to public and special (including tribal) libraries in Idaho. One application/award per library legal entity. Multi-branch systems must submit a single application. For definitions of library types, please see the ICfL’s grant eligibility requirements at https://libraries.idaho.gov/grants-funding/grant-eligibility/.

The library must obtain a non-proprietary Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) by registering in the System of Award Management (SAM). The UEI is required for grantees receiving federal funds administered by the ICfL and replaces the requirement for a DUNS number. Registering in SAM is free, see their website for more information: https://sam.gov/content/home.

Required Grant Activities:

  • Increase library services for people who are unable to read standard-print books and magazines. Activities such as purchasing large-print collections, obtaining assistive technology, or conducting outreach programs are all allowable.
  • Watch the “TBS Outreach Video 2021” video found on the ICfL Youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d63asSh7VCg.
  • Complete a minimum of two activities during the grant period to promote the Idaho Talking Book Service. More information about the TBS can be found at https://libraries.idaho.gov/tbs/. See the section below titled “Help Promote the Talking Book Service” for ideas.

Allowable Expenditures. The following list includes allowable grant expenses. This is not an exhaustive or exclusive list. Applicants should contact the ICfL if they are unsure if their proposed idea/expenditure is allowable.

  • Large-print books, magazines, and print materials.
  • Audiobooks, audio magazines, and other audio recordings (that take the place of print media).
  • Assistive technology, materials, or supplies to assist in reading or listening to books or library materials (i.e. tablet, headphones).
  • Library displays and materials that are directly related to the purpose of the grant.
  • Advertising or publicity specifically related to the grant for program-specific outreach. Includes promotional flyers, brochures, and marketing materials to inform community members of the library’s resources and activities related to the grant.

Non-allowable Expenditures. The following items are not allowable grant expenses. This is not an exhaustive or exclusive list. Applicants should contact the ICfL if they are unsure if their proposed idea/expenditure is allowable.

  • Food and beverages.
  • Capital expenditures related to the purchase of real property, buildings, or motor vehicles.
  • Construction expenditures related to the improvement or expansion of buildings and facilities.
  • Advertising or publicity not related directly to the programs carried out through the grant.
  • Promotional items and memorabilia, including models, gifts, and souvenirs.
  • Compensation including salaries and wages for staff involved in carrying out the grant program.
  • Furniture.

Key Dates:

Submit Applications: January 8 – January 31, 2024

Grant Period: February 25 – September 15, 2024

Interim Report Due: May 31, 2024

Final Report Due: September 15, 2024

Application period: January 8 – January 31, 2024

The online application must be completed in one sitting and cannot be saved for completion at a later time. We suggest drafting responses in a separate document prior to completing the online form. The application must be signed and submitted with an electronic signature on or before January 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. MT. This application will serve as your official grant agreement if you are notified in writing that your organization has been approved for funding. The ICfL will notify all applicants whether or not they were selected for funding.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact either of the following staff members at the Idaho Commission for Libraries:

If you have questions about the grant or application process, please contact Talking Book Service Program Supervisor LeAnn Gelskey at leann.gelskey@libraries.idaho.gov, (208) 639-4148, or Grants/Contracts Officer Talela Florko at talela.florko@libraries.idaho.gov, (208) 639-4164.

Grantees are required to submit a brief interim report by May 31, 2024.

We recommend preparing your answers prior to completing the online form, as you cannot save your progress until you hit the “Submit” button.

Please click here to access the interim report.

Grantees are required to submit the final report by September 15, 2024. This report will include financial, narrative, and feedback sections.

We recommend preparing your answers prior to completing the online form, as you cannot save your progress until you hit the “Submit” button.

Click this link to fill out the final report for this grant.

Awarded libraries should complete two activities during the grant period to help increase statewide awareness of the Idaho Talking Book Service. There are an estimated 40,000 Idahoans who are eligible to use the TBS who are not currently signed up. Visit the TBS webpage (https://libraries.idaho.gov/tbs/) to learn about this incredible free program! For tips and marketing materials, visit the “Promoting the TBS” webpage (https://libraries.idaho.gov/tbs/promoting-tbs/). Here are 10 easy ways to help spread the word about TBS:

  • Post about the Talking Book Service on your library’s social media networks. Share the TBS website and free resources provided by the program.
  • Present about the TBS at a local service club, organization, or church. Put a short blurb about the program in the organization’s bulletin or newsletter.
  • Call nursing home activity directors and see if you can schedule an activity or open house there.
  • Send an article to your local newspaper, write an editorial, or letter to the editor. When possible, include a quote from someone in the community who uses the service. Use the same article for community newsletters.
  • Take some TBS brochures to your local health care provider’s office.
  • Set up a table at a senior center lunch or event to promote the program and your library.
  • Contact your local Meals on Wheels service to see if you can include brochures in meal deliveries. Ask to present to volunteers.
  • Reach out to disability groups, special education teachers, or caregivers to let people know how they can sign up for the program.
  • Host a workshop at your library or online discussing the TBS and other library services.
  • Your great idea here! Who else do you know in your community who could help spread the word?

If you have questions about this grant, please contact Talking Book Service Program Supervisor LeAnn Gelskey at leann.gelskey@libraries.idaho.gov, (208) 639-4148, or Grants/Contracts Officer Jamie Thill at jamie.thill@libraries.idaho.gov, (208) 639-4153.

This program is brought to you by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.