NH State Library announces ARPA grant funding for 42 public libraries

The NH State Library is pleased to announce that 42 New Hampshire public libraries will be receiving funding through an Institute for Museum and Library Services’ “Grants to States” program that is part of the American Rescue Act Plan of 2021 and that is being facilitated by the State Library.

Aligning with the N.H. State Library’s 2017-2022 five-year plan, the grants address three goals that will bolster public library services throughout the Granite State: expanding access to libraries and information services for patrons of all abilities and backgrounds; improving equity of access to library services by offering professional support for librarians and library staff; and increasing innovative services and programming that anticipate the changing needs for library services.

Public libraries from across New Hampshire, from the North Country to the Monadnock Region to the Seacoast, received funding during the competitive grant round that took place this fall.

Some examples of funded projects include: creating or upgrading spaces dedicated for programming – including Makerspaces – that will be shared with community partners; upgrading technology to enhance access to library materials and programming as well as to community meetings; digitizing historical documents and oral histories; and purchasing bicycles that will be used to deliver materials to patrons who are unable to make library visits.

Because each community in New Hampshire has specific public library services needs, the breadth of the projects funded is as diverse as the communities themselves.

“New Hampshire’s strong relationship with its public libraries was made even more evident during the past two years, when librarians and their staffs were able to adjust services nimbly in order to continue to meet the needs of their communities,” said NH State Librarian Michael York. “The innovative programs funded by these grants will continue to strengthen not only public library services, but also the communities in which the libraries reside.”

Public libraries receiving the grants are:

• Bethlehem Public Library
• Minot-Sleeper Library, Bristol
• Oscar Foss Memorial Library, Center Barnstead
• Chichester Town Library
• Concord Public Library
• Conway Public Library
• Derry Public Library
• Dover Public Library
• Dunbarton Public Library
• Durham Public Library
• Effingham Free Public Library
• Exeter Public Library
• Gilford Public Library
• Goffstown Public Library
• Hampstead Public Library
• Fuller Public Library, Hillsboro
• Hooksett Public Library
• Howe Library Corporation, Hanover
• Keene Public Library
• Laconia Public Library
• Lebanon Public Libraries
• Leach Library, Londonderry
• Madbury Public Library
• Manchester City Library
• Greater Manchester Integrated Library Cooperative System (GMILCS)
• Meredith Public Library
• William Y. Wadleigh Memorial Library, Milford
• Nashua Public Library
• New Durham Public Library
• New Ipswich Library
• Newmarket Public Library
• Richards Free Library, Newport
• Hall Memorial Library, Northfield/Tilton
• Pembroke Town Library
• Pease Public Library, Plymouth
• Sandown Public Library
• Wiggin Memorial Library, Stratham
• Abbott Library, Sunapee
• Mansfield Public Library, Temple
• Pillsbury Free Library, Warner
• Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library
• Nesmith Library, Windham

Projects funded by the grants must begin after January 2, 2022 and be complete by September 30, 2022.

Total grant funds awarded through the program in New Hampshire is $825,442.

Part of the NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the N.H. State Library promotes excellence in libraries and library services to all New Hampshire residents, by assisting libraries and the people of New Hampshire with rapid access to library and informational resources through the development and coordination of a statewide library/information system; by meeting the informational needs of New Hampshire’s state, county and municipal governments and its libraries; and by serving as a resource for New Hampshire. For more information, visit nh.gov/nhsl.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.