LSTA Direct Grants to Libraries

Massachusetts uses LSTA funding to provide libraries with direct grants to meet the needs of their community. There were two LSTA direct grants awarded to libraries in the Second Congressional District in 2024 totaling $35,000.

Below are the direct grants funded projects in the Second Congressional District:

  • 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.

  • Open – Montague Public LIbraries $15,000

    Montague Public Libraries will address the pressing issue of social isolation and mental health challenges faced by tweens and teens ages 11 to 17 in the community. Beyond Library Walls - Serving Tweens and Teens aims to create a comprehensive and innovative approach to tackle the identified problem and empower young individuals through youth support, education, peer-to-peer connections, and opportunities for social emotional learning with a focus on building out-of-school community support and third spaces. By implementing youth-centric programs, fostering collaboration, including tweens and teen voices in the process, and increasing access to resources, Montague Public Libraries aims to create a lasting impact on the well-being of its youth.

Preservation Assessments

  • Hopkinton Public Library - $6,000