MBLC Grants Preserve Historical Collections
April 19, 2024
Celeste Bruno
Communications Director
6177251860
celeste.bruno@mass.gov
Massachusetts libraries are home to historic and unique items that are important to a community's history and form a part of the Commonwealth's rich cultural heritage. Many libraries protect and share irreplaceable local records, in mixed formats of books, photographs, archives, digital files, and even memorabilia. Preserving them and making them accessible to generations to come is the goal of the annual Preservation Assessment Grants from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). This year the MBLC has awarded $60,000 to ten libraries across the Commonwealth for formal assessments of their historical collections. Each library will receive a $6,000 grant from the MBLC's Preservation Assessment Grant Program.
"Historical collections teach us about present-day experiences and build empathy through understanding the lives and struggles of others," said Rob Favini, Head of Library Advisory & Development and Government Liaison at the MBLC. "The grants help libraries develop short-term and long-term preservation priorities so that these important collections can continue to be shared."
The complete list of FY2024 Preservation Assessment grant recipients is below.
- Ayer Library
- Bridgewater Public Library
- East Bridgewater Public Library
- Framingham Public Library
- Hopkinton Public Library
- Lynnfield Public Library
- Millicent Library (Fairhaven)
- Norfolk Public Library
- Rockland Memorial Library
- Woburn Public Library
MBLC Preservation Assessment Grants are supported by the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) which is administered on the federal level by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and in the Commonwealth by the MBLC. More information about LSTA can be found on the Board's website, mblc.state.ma.us, and information on how the MBLC uses federal funding to support libraries is available on mblclsta.com.
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.
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.