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BAYA Mini-Grant Application Now Open!

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Text: Mini-Grants Applications Open, Bay Area Young Adult Librarians
Apply now for one of two mini-grants hosted by BAYA.

Calling Young Adult Librarians in California! The Bay Area Young Adult (BAYA) Librarian non-profit organization is excited to announce we are awarding two $500 grants to personnel (librarians, supervisors, volunteers) who work in public or school libraries that serve middle – high school students! The funds are to be used for collections, programs, materials, etc. This can be a great way to fund something your teens have been asking for but has not been easy to obtain due to budget constraints—we all know how that feels!

A Few Details on the Application and Requirements

Starting August 1st, applications will open through the BAYA page linked here. Applications close September 5th 2026 with recipients being announced in early October 2026 and funds being sent out in mid to late October 2026. It is not required to be a BAYA member, but the applicant and library setting must reside in California. There must also be proof of supervisor approval which should be submitted in the form of a letter. Awardees must present in the May 2027 BAYA meeting and create a blog post about the grant implementation and outcome(s) on the BAYA website. The presentation must include how the grant was used, teen impact, and what they would do differently (if anything). Pictures are strongly encouraged! For full details, please review the FAQ.

Details on Grant Usage

The funds can be used in any way deemed necessary by the awardee. It can be used wholly on one purpose, or it can be divided to cover multiple costs. We strongly recommend you work with your teens to figure out together the best way to spend the funds! Below are some examples of how the funds can be used. 

Acceptable programming expenses may include, but are not limited to

  • Program supplies
  • Presenters (non-library staff)
  • Giveaways
  • Outreach and promotional expenses

Acceptable collection development expenses may include, but are not limited to

  • Books
  • Graphic novels
  • Periodicals
  • EResources
  • Display materials

Looking to get the word out about the Grant? Print our flyer and share with the teen serving library staff or volunteer in your life!

Learn More & Apply!

For questions, please email bayalibrarian@gmail.com.

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