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G2S Project Code: 2020-MA-84957
State: Massachusetts
Fiscal Year: 2020

Grantee
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners

Project Director
Director Name: Lyndsay Forbes
Director Phone: 617-725-1860 ext. 252
Director Email: lyndsay.forbes@mass.gov

General Information
Title: CARES Act: Virtual Programming Grants
State Project Code: 21.CARES.02
Start Date: 06/15/2020
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: The pandemic required a significant pivot in how libraries provided service. Virtual Programming for Distance Learning grants were offered to support increased public access to library virtual programs. Funds were allowed for purchasing equipment to assist with offering virtual programming, providing kits for at-home use, or offering virtual programming or training. Libraries were encouraged to work with local museums and local cultural institutions to enhance virtual programming.
Two competitive grant rounds were offered: one in June and one in December. The first round had 135 applicants with 26 of those libraries receiving grants. The second round had 79 applicants with 20 of those receiving grants. The 46 applicants that received grants were Amesbury Public Library, Jones Library (Amherst), Belding Memorial Library (Ashfield), Athol Public Library, Whelden Memorial Library (Barnstable), Porter Memorial Library (Blandford), Burlington Public Library, Chelsea Public Library, Hamilton Memorial Library (Chester), Chicopee Public Library, Bigelow Free Public Library (Clinton), Dighton Public Library, Ames Free Library (Easton), West Falmouth Library (Falmouth), Framingham Public Library, Georgetown Peabody Library, Hamilton-Wenham Library, Haverhill Public Library, Holyoke Public Library, Richard Salter Storrs Library (Longmeadow), Mansfield Public Library, Marlborough Public Library, Massachusetts Library System (MLS), Medway Public Library, Morse Institute Library (Natick), Needham Free Public Library, Newbury Town Library, Norfolk Public Library, Haston Free Public Library (North Brookfield), Forbes Library (Northampton), Morrill Memorial Library (Norwood), Fobes Library (Oakham), Peabody Institute Library (Peabody), Thomas Crane Public Library (Quincy), Phinehas S. Newton Library (Royalston), M.N. Spear Memorial Library (Shutesbury), Somerville Public Library, Springfield City Library, Tewksbury Public Library, Waltham Public Library, Wareham Free Library, Wayland School District libraries, Westfield Athenaeum, Wilmington Memorial Library, and Burncoat Middle School Library (Worcester).
State Goal: Lifelong Learning

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$125,998.91

$0.00

$29,301.49

$155,300.40

Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Education

Activities
Activity Details
Title: A Visit with the Peabody Essex Museum
Narrative: The Tewksbury Public Library hosted a visit with Petra Slinkard, the Nancy B. Putnam Curator of Fashion and Textiles and Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM). Slinkard gave attendees a look at PEM’s upcoming exhibition Made It: The Women Who Revolutionized Fashion (November 21, 2020 – March 14, 2020). Made It: The Women Who Revolutionized Fashion showcased more than 100 works, spanned 250 years, and recognized women's often-overlooked contributions to the fashion and design industry. Made It featured show-stopping ensembles, street fashion, ready-to-wear, and haute couture that illuminate issues of representation, creativity, consumption, transculturation, and distinctiveness which have and continue to impact the fashion industry.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 69

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No

Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No

Activity Details
Title: Music History with Professor Del Case
Narrative: This four-week series explored the history of popular music. Dr. Delvyn Case, associate professor of music at Wheaton College and music director of The Great Woods Symphony Orchestra, presented on topics including Protest Music, Party Music, Love Songs, and Dance Music.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 90
Number of presentations/performances administered: 4
Average number in attendance per session: 58

Partner Information

Activity Details
Title: 5 Alive Sensory Kits
Narrative: Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood offered sensory kits for toddlers over an eight week series. The 5 Alive Sensory kits were developed by library staff. The kits contained materials for sensory/fine motor skill activities, an instruction sheet with photos and directions for each activity, and early childhood development information. A different kit was offered each week of the series.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Physical

Quantity
Number of items digitized: 0
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 320
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 0
Number of plans/frameworks: 0

Partner Information

Activity Details
Title: Virtual Wizard School
Narrative: Middleborough Public Library offered a virtual school of STEAM inspired wizardry aimed at aged 8-12 over February Vacation Week. Participants discovered electric circuits by building a light up wand, completed kitchen chemistry, crafted a monster notebook, and learned a spell for levitation involving static electricity. Distance learning kits allowed participants to complete activities at home with all the supplies they would need during the Zoom sessions. Additional booklists, resources, and activities were provided.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 3
Average number in attendance per session: 10
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Rural
For what age groups: 6-12 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: MIDDLEBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 102 NORTH MAIN ST.
City: MIDDLEBOROUGH
State: MA
Zip: 02346
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 9
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 9
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 9
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 9
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 9

Activity Details
Title: Books and Art to Go!
Narrative: The Forbes Library in Northampton collaborated with a local arts institution, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, to create picture book and art kits geared for children ages 3-5. Each kit contained a hardcover picture book (purchased with library funds) and related art materials so that kids could create their own art inspired by the techniques shown in the book. The collage themed kit included the book Saturday by Oge Mora. The painting/drawing kit included the book Drawn Together by Minh Le. The kits also included art tips and prompts written by Carle Museum educators and early literacy tips written by Forbes Library children’s librarians.These take-home kits are a great way to provide tactile and art-rich experiences for young patrons.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Physical

Quantity
Number of items digitized: 0
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 50
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 0
Number of plans/frameworks: 0

Partner Information

Activity Details
Title: The History of Easton in 12 Objects
Narrative: The Ames Free Library in Easton partnered with The Easton Historical Society to offer this program. Easton historian and educator Ed Hands borrowed 12 objects from the Easton Historical Society and discussed the role of each of the objects played in the history of the town. This was a 2 part series with the first session focused on objects from earlier war periods including Revolutionary and Civil war items. The second part focused on 1958 and included a selection of objects and photographs from that year.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 90
Number of presentations/performances administered: 2
Average number in attendance per session: 30

Partner Information

Activity Details
Title: Sculpture of Adults and Teens
Narrative: The Burlington Public Library partnered with the New England Sculptors Association (NESA) for this program. Brad Matthews, a member of NESA, facilitated a virtual sculpture program. Attendees learned about sculpture as an art form and were able to create 2-4 sculptures on their own. Supplies were provided via pick up at the Library prior to the class.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 90
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 22
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: BURLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 22 SEARS STREET
City: BURLINGTON
State: MA
Zip: 01803
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Hidden Voices of History
Narrative: Richard Salter Storrs Library in Longmeadow partnered with the Longmeadow Historical Society to offer the program series 'Hidden Voices of History'. This series examined the important and relevant stories that dominant historical narratives have neglected. It featured topics such as immigrant labor, the rise of schools designed specifically to meet the needs of special needs students, approaches and options for the care and treatment of the mentally ill in early Western Massachusetts, and early New England’s history of troubled and inequitable relationships between European settlers and peoples of color, both indigenous and enslaved. The Library focused on scholars and stories from the Western Massachusetts and Connecticut Valley regions, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the broader New England area based on the idea that all history is local history.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 13
Average number in attendance per session: 28

Partner Information

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: RICHARD SALTER STORRS LIBRARY
Address: 693 LONGMEADOW ST.
City: LONGMEADOW
State: MA
Zip: 01106

Activity Details
Title: Seek and See, Blandford Passport Kits
Narrative: Porter Memorial Library in Blandford created a series of circulating kits to inspire patrons of all ages to get outside and learn about the history and nature found in Blandford. During the grant period, companion programming was offered with each kit. Kit topics included local treasure letterboxing, hiking, insect and birdwatching, native plant life, and night vision.
Local treasure letterboxing kits included wood blocks, ink pads, notebooks. letterboxing guide (library made). The Library created a recorded video introducing letterboxing and teaching how to make stamps.
Hiking kits included a compass, rope tying book, rope tying kit, local hiking maps and information, hike safety information and hiking guide for beginners (library made).
Insect and birdwatching kits included magnifying glasses, insect jars, tweezers, a recording of library insects and information about the insects (butterfly’s and praying mantis’s), bird bingo, finding guides, and nature books, bird and insect craft and activity sheets.
Native plant life kits included nature identifying books, tree and leaf scavenger hunts and guides, leaf rubbing supplies, and a recording of identifying helpful native plants.
Night vision kits included a headlamp, black light flashlight, white paper, a recording of how to use the library telescope, nighttime scavenger hunts and moth feeder information as well as identification sheets.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Physical

Partner Information

Activity Details
Title: Introduction to Polish Genealogy
Narrative: Chicopee Public Library hosted Julie Szczepankiewicz for a program focusing on Polish genealogy. The library's community has a significant Polish population. The program included options and suggestions for those who were just getting started in genealogy and may not speak Polish. The presenter gave examples of how to use small bits of information to explore one's family roots.

In follow up feedback to the Library, several attendees mentioned that they had wanted to start researching their Polish genealogy but were not sure how to get started. Having someone who could share her own experiences working on Polish genealogy made it seem possible for those afraid of language and distance barriers.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 54

Partner Information

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Outcomes from libraries with kit activities included: Porter Memorial Library (Blandford) Participants were asked when they returned the kits if they learned anything new about the history of the town or what they did outside that they had not done before. The outcome was 100% of the participants who checked out the Letterboxing kit agreed that learned new and interesting facts that they had not known before taking out the kits. Georgetown Peabody Library 90% survey respondents indicated that they learned something new 100% survey respondents would like to participate in take and make kits if offered in the future Many older adults appreciated having special activities provided for them. Forbes Library (Northampton) received the following email: "Before I forget, I just wanted to express my true gratitude to the Forbes for offering such creative and safe options to families during this strange and hard time. This past Saturday morning, my family took a trip to the library and...we picked up the book and art kit we had registered for as part of the collaboration with The Eric Carle Museum. Oh my stars!! To get home on a grey and cold no-plans November Saturday and to open a bag which included a copy of Oge Mora's gorgeous book as well as a beautiful, carefully compiled collection of supplies that had everything my girls needed to make collages inspired by the book--there are no words. Just this picture of both of them happily absorbed on a morning that could have gone in so many different directions. I'm really moved by what a wonderful and meaningful experience could come from a very safe and simple outing. And as we all know, those times shine extra brightly these days, so truly thank you to all involved." Amesbury Public Library received the following feedback from families using the Library Takeout Story kits: [My son] absolutely loved having the books read to him. His vocabulary is improving everyday. I am sure part of it is hearing new words in the stories being read to him. He can now spell his name! We love the interactive felt activities. Especially the numbers ones. He’s learned a lot! I just wanna thank Amesbury library for putting this together during this time when we needed help being more creative with our children. Many of us are still working our jobs full-time and trying to educate our kids as well so this was a nice break from that. Outcomes and feedback from libraries with virtual programs included: Jones Library (Amherst) 100% of survey respondents reported learning something from Feasting from your winter pantry 100% of survey respondents reported learning something from the Teen Anti-Racism workshop 100% of survey respondents reported learning something from Writing with Miss Emily, a writing workshop series for children led by a local author Richard Salter Storrs Library (Longmeadow) 72% of survey respondents indicated that they learned something one of the programs Forbes Library (Northampton) 82% of survey respondents indicated that they learned something new during the Supporting Anti-Racist Youth webinar Marlborough Public Library received the following feedback from their virtual yoga program: “It was great being able to take part in these from the comfort of my home. It's especially hard for me to get out now with younger children at home" “Yes, I learned stress and anxiety management techniques from these yoga sessions. This has been very helpful for my family during these unprecedented and extremely trying times." Massachusetts Library System (MLS) 100% survey respondents said they intend to apply something they learned from the Virtual Resume Panel. 89% of survey respondents said that since viewing this virtual panel they felt more confident in their ability to write a future resume. Thomas Crane Public Library (Quincy) 100% learned something that was helpful; 100% felt more confident about what they learned; 100% intend to apply what they learned; and 67% were more aware of resources and services provided by the library. M.N. Spear Memorial Library (Shutesbury) held a series of genealogy programs and survey responses included: 97.8 percent indicated that they learned something new by participating in the program. 93.5 percent indicated that they will begin or continue the study of their family history. 89.1 percent indicated that they would recommend the programs to a friend. Waltham Public Library 100% of survey respondents indicated that they learned something from the program by the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation 100% of survey respondents indicated that they learned something from the program Black History & Racism in America Feedback from libraries that used funding to purchase equipment to support virtual programming included: Thomas Crane Public Library (Quincy) Youth Services Librarian (also mother of a toddler): “The document camera completely changed the game for my storytimes. I was able to incorporate books that I would not have been able to use in-person, as the camera allowed for detailed illustrations to be easily viewed by the children at home. It created a cozy environment that recreated the experience of one-on-one reading, as opposed to the usual group storytime setting. As a parent "bringing" my child to virtual storytimes during the pandemic, [daughter] was (and continues to be) way more engaged by books read and displayed with a document camera. We went to some pretty great virtual storytimes from other libraries that quite honestly did not hold her attention at all. When we attended one of TCPL’s storytimes, she would go right up the screen and touch the book, make a comment, and even listen for a bit!” Westfield Athenaeum "I was previously recording all of our vast digital programming on a 5 year old camera kit that was my personal property, carrying it back and forth to work. I had no mics or lights, and the age of the equipment was showing as it began overheating after 20 minutes or so. We were so limited by what we could do and it was incredibly difficult for me to bring the equipment back and forth. It is not hyperbole to say that this grant literally changed my life, and the quality and number of Digital Services I can provide."
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Despite being physically closed to the public, libraries were able to continue offering relevant and engaging programs and services to their communities. Participants were still learning and connecting ‘at the library’ throughout the pandemic. Kits were particularly successful in providing simple effective activities for families. With childcare and schools closed or limited, some caregivers struggled to occupy young children while also providing meaningful opportunities for enrichment. Several libraries were able to provide kits aimed at this group, offering educational materials that supported early learning as well as providing much needed support and confidence to the adults. Having the right equipment is vital to the success of virtual programming. This meant thinking about the type of visual and auditory experience that would work best for each program as well as having equipment that was easy for staff to use and incorporate into their workflow.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Partnerships remain an excellent way for organizations to expand their reach and attain mutual goals. Local access television was a frequent partner and allowed libraries to stay in touch with their community throughout the pandemic, particularly those without internet access. The digital divide is a constant concern but very much so during the pandemic. Local access television helped to bridge the gap in some instances. Several libraries plan to continue this partnership with their local station moving forward. Even when in-person programming is an option, there will be programs or events will benefit from a local access broadcast as well. The types of programs and services that were popular during the pandemic were not without their flaws. Technology doesn’t always cooperate and can quickly derail an otherwise well-planned program. Hands-on instruction is more limited in virtual settings, which influences the types of programs or kits that can be offered. Many libraries also commented on the sheer amount of time that is spent planning or setting up virtual programming or take-home kits. For instance, a craft for 25 in the library can simply spread all the materials out on the table and staff can be around for more assistance if needed while each kit needs to be assembled with specific quantities, include directions, and coordinate pick up. While many of the programmatic options during the pandemic were well-received, libraries need to prioritize what they are offering and why. It is not possible to return to business as usual while adding on all the services adopted during the pandemic.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
No
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:

Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative

Project Tags: virtual programming