Fostering Empathy with Immigrant Communities to Enhance Library Public Programs and Services

Grant Summary

Califa Group, in partnership with California Humanities, will enhance the ability of libraries across the country to welcome and support the lifelong learning needs of immigrant communities. The project will enhance and scale nationally the Library Innovation Lab, which has been successfully piloted by California Humanities in California public libraries over the last seven years with library staff from over 60 branches and 50 jurisdictions. Project results will include 1) further development of the existing program framework that emphasizes engaging immigrants in co-design activities; 2) recruiting and field testing the program with a national cohort of libraries in 2025; 3) a pilot partnership with another State Humanities Council in 2026; and 4) publication and dissemination of a DIY program toolkit to facilitate replication by libraries or library-serving organizations across the country.

Press Release

Grant Team

Coming soon

Institute of Museum and Library Services

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services RE-256614-OLS-24.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.