Explore Grants Awarded to 18 Libraries
February 25, 2025
Celeste Bruno
Communications Director
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@mass.gov
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce 18 libraries will receive a combined $93,000 as the FY2025 recipients of Explore Grants. The MBLC uses federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding to provide Explore Grants that improve library services, collections, and programs.
"Everyone is welcome at libraries and often libraries are among the first to recognize the needs of their communities. However, responding to needs may be limited by lack of funds," said Robert Favini, Head of Library Advisory and Development at the MBLC. "With Explore Grants libraries can take more immediate steps to address community needs and challenges. The grants are a great example of federal funding that makes significant local impact."
Explore Grants are open to all types of libraries: school, academic, public and special. Below are the FY2025 Explore Grant recipients. Libraries will receive their funding in March.
| Municipality | Library Name | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Belchertown | Swift River Library, Belchertown Public Schools | $4,000 |
| Boston | Henry Grew School Library, Boston Public Schools | $4,000 |
| Braintree | Thayer Public Library | $4,000 |
| Falmouth | Falmouth Public Library | $4,000 |
| Hopkinton | Hopkinton Public School Libraries | $4,000 |
| Ipswich | Ipswich Public Library | $7,500 |
| Lowell | Pollard Memorial Library | $4,000 |
| North Andover | North Andover Public Elementary School Libraries | $4,000 |
| Northampton | Forbes Library | $7,500 |
| Plainville | Plainville Public Library | $4,000 |
| Revere | Ugo E. Evangelista Library, Revere High School | $4,000 |
| Revere | Revere Public Library | $4,000 |
| Shrewsbury | Shrewsbury Public Library | $7,500 |
| South Hadley | South Hadley Public Library | $7,500 |
| Springfield | Springfield City Library | $4,000 |
| Wakefield | Lucius Beebe Memorial Library | $4,000 |
| Watertown | Watertown Free Public Library | $4,000 |
| Worcester | Dinand Library, College of the Holy Cross | $7,500 |
Federal funding in Massachusetts Libraries
In addition to grants, the MBLC uses federal LSTA funding to support statewide library services and resources including the Commonwealth Catalog, preservation and disaster recovery in cultural institutions, online research databases in conjunction with the Massachusetts Library System, statewide eBook and audiobooks, and the statewide library resource website for residents. Federal funding also assists small libraries in participating in one of the state's nine automated library networks that improve technology in local libraries and make automated library services efficient and affordable.
The MBLC's LSTA program is developed in accordance with the LSTA five-year plan and reviewed by MBLC staff working in collaboration with the State Advisory Council on Libraries, a council of library users and librarians from public, academic, school, institutional and special libraries, as well as libraries serving persons with disabilities. More information about LSTA is available on the MBLC website. LSTA funding is made possible through the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
About IMLS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. 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.