MBLC GRANT
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is the state government agency entrusted with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate, and enhance library services across the Commonwealth.
Through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) direct grant program, the MBLC offers grants to libraries to help fund preservation and conservation efforts.
Announcements
Great Barrington’s Ramsdell Library receives state grant.
January 23, 2025
On January 13th, 2025, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
(MBLC) announced winners of its coveted building grant. Great Barrington’s Ramsdell Library building was awarded $100,000 which may be used for schematic design, cost analysis of options, site investigation, and project management services.
The $100,000 will add to $150,000 earmarked by Great Barrington’s voters at their 2024 Annual Town Meeting. With $250,000 committed, a special building committee is initiating the planning and design process. The appointed committee includes Dawn Jardine, Library Director; Ruby Chang and Pat Hollenbeck, Library Trustees; Rachel Louchen and John Nelson, community members; Rebecca Tamol-Kay, architect; and Joe Aberdale, Superintendent of Public Works. Once the plan and design has been approved, the project will advance to the construction phase, accompanied by larger construction grants.
Ramsdell in Housatonic is one of 13 libraries to receive the award. In total, the construction and grant awards, anticipated during the 2027-2029 period, will provide up to 60%-70% of project costs.
The building grant process is managed by the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP), a state-funded and guided program that works with local communities to build, renovate, and expand public libraries. In November 2024, Governor Healey’s office signed into law the Mass Leads Act, an economic development bill which will support $150 million for the MPLC Program.
“Libraries are busier than ever assisting people with job searches, teaching residents to use new technology or simply providing the only free space where everyone in a community can continue their education,” said MBLC Director Maureen Amyot.
In support of the Ramsdell project, the Great Barrington Library Fund (GBLF) was recently formed as nonprofit entity to advocate for and receive funding from foundations and individuals to supplement the Town’s capital allocations.
General process flow as outlined by MPLCP
click on timeline to enlarge