Library awarded $10,000 Grant

Vineyard Haven Public Library has been awarded a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant for $10,000 from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The grant program, called "Mind in the Making," supports the development of innovative programming and spaces that encourage invention and tinkering, where children ages 0-6 can explore simple concepts in tactile, real ways. This kind of space fuels a child's natural curiosity and teaches valuable lessons by helping them develop fine motor skills, problem solving abilities, and peer relationships. Vineyard Haven Library will use the funding for enhancements to the Children's Room and Children's programming, and creativity kits that can be borrowed by parents and caregivers, or used in local preschools.

Libraries use LSTA grants from the MBLC in a variety of ways, including implementing literacy programs that benefit all ages, increasing library access to underserved populations, providing advanced automation services, training staff, and preserving valuable historical documents. Two other Martha's Vineyard libraries also received LSTA grants this year: West Tisbury, for Health Literacy, and Oak Bluffs, for Serving People with Disabilities.

In addition to the direct library grant program, the MBLC uses LSTA funds to support statewide programs and services, including summer reading programs, databases, the Commonwealth eBook program, the Commonwealth Catalog (the new virtual catalog), and mass.gov/libraries which provides information and resources for residents. LSTA is administered on the federal level by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in the Commonwealth by the MBLC. More information about LSTA can found at www.mass.gov/mblc.