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