MBLC Funds Virtual Programming for Libraries
July 08, 2020
Matthew Perry
Outreach Coordinator
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) awarded $72,461 in 27 grants to public and school libraries across the Commonwealth through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding that was distributed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). These grants are designed to help the recipients with remote and virtual programming during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
“As libraries continue to determine how to reopen safely, remote programming remains vital to continue serving communities” said MBLC Director James Lonergan. “These grants will help Massachusetts libraries get the resources they require in order to meet their resident’s needs.”
The complete list of grant recipients is below along with highlights of different projects.
|
Library Name |
Municipality |
Award Amount |
|
Amesbury Public Library |
Amesbury |
$1820 |
|
Jones Library |
Amherst |
$3075 |
|
Athol Public Library |
Athol |
$2200 |
|
Centerville Public Library |
Barnstable |
$1200 |
|
Dighton Public Library |
Dighton |
$1900 |
|
Ames Free Library |
Easton |
$2424 |
|
West Falmouth Library |
Falmouth |
$2961 |
|
Framingham Public Library |
Framingham |
$2787 |
|
Haverhill Public Library |
Haverhill |
$3500 |
|
Holyoke Public Library |
Holyoke |
$3499 |
|
Marlborough Public Library |
Marlborough |
$2144 |
|
Medway Public Library |
Medway |
$3038 |
|
Middleborough Public Library |
Middleborough |
$2179 |
|
Morse Institute Library |
Natick |
$3114 |
|
Norfolk Public Library |
Norfolk |
$2400 |
|
Forbes Library |
Northampton |
$2350 |
|
Fobes Memorial Library |
Oakham |
$3460 |
|
Peabody Institute Library |
Peabody |
$3000 |
|
Thomas Crane Public Library |
Quincy |
$3500 |
|
Somerville Public Library |
Somerville |
$3418 |
|
Springfield City Library |
Springfield |
$3500 |
|
Tewksbury Public Library |
Tewksbury |
$3050 |
|
Waltham Public Library |
Waltham |
$1000 |
|
Wareham Free Library |
Wareham |
$2442 |
|
Wayland High School (District) |
Wayland |
$2000 |
|
Burncoat Middle School |
Worcester |
$3500 |
|
Massachusetts Library System (MLS) |
$3000 |
Jones Library in Amherst will offer a variety of programming for all ages including a writing workshop for youth focused on Emily Dickinson with educator and author Burleigh Muten, anti-racism workshops with local author Tiffany Jewell, and a career webinar. .
Ames Free Library in Easton will offer a variety of virtual programming, including a series with the Easton Historical Society and Museum.
Haverhill Public Library will offer a variety of virtual programming, including two presentations with the local opera company Guerilla Opera and two presentations with the Buttonwoods Museum.
The three libraries listed above will also use awarded funds to purchase equipment to support in-house virtual events.
The Burncoat Middle School Library in Worcester will offer virtual programming from the EcoTarium. Funds will also be used to purchase portable podcasting recorders for students to use at school and at home to document their interactions with wildlife.
The CARES Act was passed on March 27, 2020 in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. The $2 trillion dollar spending bill passed by Congress included $50 million for museums and libraries through IMLS. In addition to these grants, the MBLC also awarded grants for libraries to purchase the reading tracking software Beanstack to be used for summer reading and plans to offer additional grant opportunities with CARES Act funding in the fall.
About MBLC
The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.