Youth Services

Grant Opportunities

The MBLC uses federal LSTA funding to provide grants for libraries to create innovative, educational services for children and teens.

• Anytime STEM Learning 
• Mind in the Making 
• Strength in Families

Touchpoints in Libraries

MBLC and MLS are partnering with the Brazelton Touchpoints Center to offer the Touchpoints in Libraries training, the aim of which is to support more effective family and caregiver engagement in libraries. Brazelton Touchpoints is part of Boston Children’s Hospital.

Touchpoints in Libraries introduces participants to the Touchpoints approach and explores how it can enhance and expand the important work they already do with families and caregivers. The Touchpoints in Libraries professional development training supports library staff to:

• view children’s development as a process characterized by ups and downs
• identify opportunities to connect with and support families through routine library interactions, programs, and services
• use intentional strategies to connect with and support families and other caregivers
• create a shared language and understanding of child development, a strengths-based approach to engaging families, and a community of practice and professional support for library staff

Learn more about Touchpoints in Libraries from this informational webinar.

Support & Resources from the Massachusetts Library System (MLS)

MLS has a series of resource guides designed to help youth services and school librarians work together and share tools, tips, and information.

MLS Youth Services Resource Guides