Memphis public libraries will enhance and expand its innovator in residence program, modeled after the library of congress' innovator in residence program

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the Memphis Library Foundation $199,800 on September 1, 2026, under the National Leadership Grants program (CFDA 45.312) to enhance and expand its Innovator in Residence Program.

Memphis Public Libraries will deliver public programs, one-on-one mentorship from creative professionals across multiple disciplines, skills training in job readiness and digital competency, and a toolkit documenting project outcomes and lessons learned. The program connects working innovators in podcasting, event production and planning, online content creation, music production integrating artificial intelligence, and digital marketing with library patrons to build business acumen, create strategic support networks, and develop marketable skills for career transitions. The program is informed by adapted data from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Skills Coalition, modeling the approach after the Library of Congress' Innovator in Residence Program.

Performance occurs in Memphis, Tennessee, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028. The Memphis Library Foundation, a tax-exempt nonprofit supporting Memphis Public Libraries, serves as the recipient.

Services of the project will include public programs, one-on-one mentorship, building marketable job and digital skills, and the creation of a toolkit outlining project and lessons learned. The project seeks to connect working creative professionals (i.e. "innovators") in a myriad of fields with library patrons to teach marketable skills, build business savvy, create strategic support networks, and channel passion into a new profession. The project is based on adapted data from the united states small business bureau and the national skills coalition. The program features the disciplines of podcasting, event production and planning, online content creation, music production integrating artificial intelligence (AI), and digital marketing.