Reading, MA— On July 11, The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) awarded federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) direct grants to the Reading Public Library. The MBLC recently increased overall grant amounts so that libraries can develop sustainable projects that have a lasting impact on their communities and residents.
The $20,000 grant, which runs from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, will allow the Reading Public Library to further develop and expand education with garden and nature-based learning spaces in alignment with the library’s current strategic plan.
Amy Lannon, Director of The Reading Public Library, said, “This is a great opportunity for education and collaboration around matters our community cares about. I want to thank the Reading Garden Club, the Town Forest Committee, the Reading Community Garden, and the Reading Health Department for their input and letters of support for this project.”
More details of the grant will be released this fall. The abstract of the grant, which will include a combination of modest green improvements (inside and outside) and environmental, sustainability, and health programs, follows:
The grant aims to transform Reading Public Library into a vibrant hub for intergenerational and inclusive education on nature and sustainability. The project will build community through community involvement and partnerships with local groups to share expertise and resources and form a “Garden Ambassador” volunteer program; establish nature and sustainability programming as a long-term pillar of the educational offerings; enrich the library’s collection with accessible related resources; and add green spaces both indoors with a “Living Wall” and plantings to showcase the benefits of indoor plants and outdoors through enhancing the patio Plant Lab garden and adding sensory and native pollinator garden beds. The initiative will reach individuals and intersectional groups, including children, teens, adults, families, neurodiverse individuals, and those with disabilities. Aligned with the library’s current strategic plan, this Cultivating Community underscores our commitment to education, equity, access, and accountability.
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The Reading Public Library is committed to evolving together to strengthen communication, equity, collaboration, and learning in our community. Our mission is to be a center and resource for learning and civic engagement. We provide a place and platform of, by, and for the people who can benefit as individuals as well as contribute to the well-being of the community. We work to achieve these goals and commitments by focusing on education, equity, accountability, and access.
