Northborough Library awarded $10,000 grant

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Northborough – The Northborough Free Library is one of 10 libraries in the state that was recently awarded a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The library received a $10,000 grant for a project called “Mind in the Making.”

The library’s Children’s Services staff, led by Children’s Librarian Katrina Ireland-Bilodeau, plans to use the grant funding to develop innovative programming and spaces that encourage invention and tinkering, where children ages 0-6 can explore simple concepts in tactile, real ways.

Ireland-Bilodeau, who submitted the grant proposal to the MBLC, commented that “libraries are in the perfect position to support the development of our youngest patrons!  With this grant, we are creating spaces, providing tools and sharing knowledge that parents and caregivers can use to give their children the most meaningful opportunities to learn and grow.”

This kind of interactive space fuels a child’s natural curiosity and teaches valuable lessons by helping them develop fine motor skills, problem solving abilities, and peer relationships. Activities will include family programs on play and creativity, a literacy nook with age-appropriate themed materials and books, portable dramatic play equipment, and early literacy kits that can be borrowed by patrons and local preschools.

In the Children’s Room space, the Program Room is now open to the public for games and activities whenever programs sponsored by the library are not being held in the room. Other changes will be coming in the new year, as the grant activities take place and more intentional play spaces are developed.

For more information about the Northborough Free Library’s Children’s Services, and the Mind in the Making grant, visit www.northboroughlibrary.org or call the Children’s Library at 508-393-5025, ext. 4.

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