From Jennifer Carlson, Children’s Librarian

Holliston Public Library was recently awarded a federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant for $10,000.00 from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).  “Each community in Massachusetts is unique and has its own local needs,” said Robert Favini, Head of Library Advisory and Development at the MBLC. “These grants allow libraries to address those local needs directly, whether its programming for children and teens, helping residents find a path to citizenship, or protecting the town’s historic documents and artifacts.”

Holliston Public Library plans to create a new “Stay and Play” space in the Children’s Room.  The goal of the new space is to encourage children to stay and play with the intention that the library will inspire imagination and learning, ultimately creating a space they will want to return to not only for books but also for social interactions and free play and guided play. 

In addition to the direct library grant program, the MBLC uses LSTA funds to support statewide programs and services including summer reading programs, research databases, the statewide eBook program, the Commonwealth Catalog and mass.gov/libraries which has information and resources for residents.  LSTA is administered on the federal level by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in the Commonwealth by the MBLC. More information about LSTA can be found on the Board’s website at www.mass.gov/mblc.

IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Their mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. IMLS’ grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.