At its July 8, 2021, Board meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) awarded $350,410 in 35 grants to public and special libraries across the Commonwealth under the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), which is funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Thayer Memorial Library in Lancaster was awarded $10,000 for its Touch. Make. Learn. PLAY project. This will be the first year that the Library has received a grant award for this program.

“LSTA funds help us deliver innovative resources and programs to our community,” said Director Joe Mulé. “We are excited to expand our services for our younger patrons and their caregivers through this grant.”

Through its Touch, Make, Learn, PLAY project, Thayer Memorial Library will provide equitable access to intentional, interactive play spaces and programming to young children and their caregivers from Lancaster and neighboring communities. Children will develop essential skills by engaging in a play space that features toys, games, and other items that encourage making connections, social interaction, and growth and becoming part of a community of learners at an early age.

A series of free monthly programs – including music and movement classes for ages 0-5 and creative drama classes for ages 2-6 – will reinforce the importance of play and offer guidance on incorporating these important concepts outside of the library. Additional details will be made available on Thayer Memorial Library’s website, www.thayermemoriallibrary.org.

“This past year has shown us the importance of libraries to the communities they serve,” said Robert Favini, Head of Library Advisory and Development at the MBLC. “These grants allow libraries to address specific local needs. They demonstrate libraries’ commitment to serve all members of their communities, to education at any age, and to make local history accessible to everyone.”

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.

~ joe