LSTA Direct Grants to Libraries

Massachusetts uses LSTA funding to provide libraries with direct grants to meet the needs of their community. There were three LSTA direct grants awarded to libraries in the Fifth Congressional District in 2022 totaling $37,500.

Below are examples of direct grant funded projects in the Fifth Congressional District:

  • Managing Fine and Decorative Arts – Malden Public Library $7,500

    A necessary step in understanding and sharing art collections is to inventory and appraise the collections. This project undertakes the first large-scale inventory and appraisal of the vast print and drawing collection at the library. It highlights the newly inventoried prints through a public exhibition and adjunct programming builds a strong, trusting relationship with audiences that have traditionally not been reached, as well as increasing community engagement and the galleries’ role in curriculum support and life-long learning.

  • Go Local – Watertown Free Public Library $15,000

    Watertown Free Public Library has not collected community history for several years and its local history collection does not adequately capture the town’s more recent personal and family stories. In collaboration with local organizations, the library is engaging residents in a participatory archiving initiative to collect photos and stories across the community. The project will launch a digital collection that will enable all community members to connect with their local history and each other while building a more balanced and inclusive historical record for the future.

ARPA Funding

Grants were given to communities that were hardest hit by COVID in the state to be used to improve access for residents at the library. Three grants totaling $150,000 were given to libraries in the Fifth Congressional District.

  • Framingham Public Library will use funds to purchase remote lockers and install self-checkout machines.
  • Malden Public Library will use funds to purchase technology for improved accessibility, enhance outdoor programming and service spaces, and support digitization efforts.
  • Revere Public Library will use funds to contract one staff position providing library services to young adults, contract one staff position providing programming services to adults, create a makerspace, and purchase equipment and supplies to support library programming.