We are excited to announce that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has awarded Hyannis Public Library a $10,000 “Strength in Families” grant for our pilot Family Engagement program, HPL Family HelperHub. This project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), administered by the MBLC.
“We are eager to use this LSTA grant to start some innovative collaborations with other organizations within Hyannis,” says Library Director Antonia Stephens. “We hope that this will lead to many more partnerships to engage and support the families in our community.”
The HelperHub program comprises two parts both aimed at increasing opportunities and connections for residents within the local community: ReaderHub, a family literacy initiative for English Language Learners; and NourishHub, a nutrition and meal prep workshop series for grandfamilies (grandparents raising grandchildren). We will be working with the Barnstable Public Schools and the Barnstable County Cooperative Extension to get the programs up and running over the next year. As the program unfolds, more information will be made available to the public.
“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 Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (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.
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