Carmichael Library Receives Second ALA Grant to Expand Accessibility Resources

April 28, 2026

For the second consecutive year, the University of Montevallo’s Carmichael Library has been awarded a Libraries Transforming Communities grant from the American Library Association. Each grant totals $10,000, allowing the library to invest a combined $20,000 over two years to enhance the educational experience for UM students.

The Libraries Transforming Communities initiative focuses on improving accessibility in small and rural communities. During the first grant cycle, Carmichael Library used funding to purchase a Nook Huddle Pod and expand its digital offerings through a collection of Libby e-books and audiobooks. Pending consultation with current UM students, the library tentatively plans to add another Pod and further grow its digital collection.

“We are thrilled to have received a second round of funding from the American Library Association to provide more accessible spaces and collections for our students,” said Dr. Charlotte Ford, director of Carmichael Library. “The Nook Pod is very popular with students, and we’ve seen great use of the Libby collection so far. I’m so appreciative of the work that librarians Sheila Brandt and Kayla Johnson put into securing these grants.”

The grant efforts were led by librarians Sheila Brandt, project director for the 2025 grant, and Kayla Johnson, project director for the 2026 grant. Their work has been instrumental in securing funding that directly supports student access and engagement.

Carmichael Library looks forward to continuing to build inclusive, student-centered resources and sharing positive developments across the University of Montevallo community. To learn more about all the resources Carmichael Library has to offer, visit library.montevallo.edu.