NEWS RELEASE

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) began the process of awarding planning and design grants through the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP), a state-funded program that works with local communities to build, renovate, and expand public libraries. This grant round features Small Population Grants for municipalities with populations less than 2,500 and Standard Grants for municipalities with populations of 2,500 and over. At the Commission’s October meeting, grants were awarded to libraries in the small populations category as follows:

“Libraries are important for every community, but in small and rural towns they are especially so because they are often the only source of broadband internet, educational and cultural programming for all ages, and are the only space where everyone is welcome to gather and connect without spending money,” said MBLC Chair Vicky Biancolo. “With support for the MPLCP from the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the legislature, we’re pleased to award these libraries funding to start projects that will have such a positive impact on their communities for generations to come.”

Libraries in communities with populations under 2,500 have historically struggled to participate in the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program. During the last decade only two libraries were built or renovated in communities of this size, while in larger communities more than 30 projects were completed. In 2021, the MBLC launched the Small Library Pilot Project as a remedy and to gather information on the unique challenges small and rural communities face when trying to build libraries that meet the needs of their communities. This successful pilot program led to the development of the first ever small populations category for the current grant round to provide more assistance to municipalities with smaller populations and capacity.

Planning and design phase grants for the Small Population grant type are 50% of the eligible costs up to a maximum award of $125,000 and may be used for preparation of a library building program including architectural feasibility studies, condition assessment and engineering analysis of an existing building or alternative sites, schematic design, cost analysis of options, site investigation, and project management services. For Standard Grant libraries, planning and design grants will be awarded in early 2025 by tiers based on square footage submitted in the application: small, medium and large.

The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program was first funded by a state bond authorization in 1987. Since then, it has helped more than 250 communities plan, build, renovate and/or expand their public libraries.  Funding to support the MPLCP is included in Governor Healey’s economic development bill. MPLCP projects are underway in the following communities:  Amherst, Deerfield, Fitchburg, Gloucester, Melrose, Sharon, Shutesbury, Swansea, and Westford. Learn more about the program on the MBLC website and the Building Literacy podcast.