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 First Congressional District in 2024 totaling $45,000.

Below are the direct grant funded projects in the First Congressional District:

  • Open - Chicopee Public Library $5,000

    Chicopee Public Library will re-imagine its World Language collection to better represent the growing community of individuals who are making their home in Chicopee. Individual patrons and community partners have requested materials in languages that the Library does not currently own, including Urdu, French, Haitian Creole and Ukrainian, as well as books and resources for learning English. This project will expand the Library’s World Language materials, reconfigure the existing collections so that non-English materials are easier to find, and focus community outreach and direct engagement with educators and social service groups who work with immigrants and new residents.

  • Health and Wellness – Springfield City Library $20,000

    Teens in Springfield face many stress factors that weigh on their mental health. Data from the 2023 Springfield Youth Risk Behavior survey indicates that the mental health outcomes in Springfield’s teen population is worsening. The Springfield City Library’s Young Adult Mental Health Initiative aims to help the youth of Springfield with supportive programming, access to wider mental health resources, and partnerships with local community groups.

  • Open – Gladys E. Kelly Public Library $20,000

    Gladys E. Kelly Public Library will create and sustain the Nest, a small business incubator that will offer a collection of tools, technology, resources, and community connections for entrepreneurs and small business startups. The Nest aims to be an important community-building resource with the Library acting as liaison and connector to community members, jobs-seekers, businesses, and non-profits by providing space and needed resources. Monthly workshops will be hosted by support organizations, regular networking mixers will be hosted in the space, and a job fair will be held semi-annually. Beyond tools and technology, the project will provide connections and mentorship for small businesses and entrepreneurs, where users will be able to request to be connected with a local business mentor for advice and guidance on starting their own business.