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Sustainable & Resilient New England Libraries Grant: 2024 Overview
2024 Testimonials
The testimonials presented here were chosen from 46 responses provided by grant recipients through a survey distributed by ARSL.
Theresa Schwegel (Trustee)
Russell Memorial Library - Monkton, VE
 Thanks to the generous grant from ARSL, coupled with other funding sources, we successfully completed a parking lot with a stormwater management system and an ADA-compliant walkway to our library in June 2024. The impact has been immediate and transformative. The very next day, during a major fundraiser, the new walkway allowed us to transport books easily when our elevator was down—saving the event from cancellation. The fundraiser saw record attendance, with nearly 500 people benefiting from the improved access, leading to our highest fundraising total to date.
Beyond events, the new lot and walkway have enhanced daily accessibility for our patrons, especially those with mobility challenges. The stormwater management system proved vital during recent heavy rains, effectively diverting water and protecting the area while nourishing a nearby pollinator garden. This project has not only made our library more accessible but has also strengthened our relationship with the town, leading to smoother collaboration on future projects.
We’re incredibly grateful to ARSL for their continued support, which has truly been a game-changer for our community!
Denise Hammon (Trustee)
Gaylord Memorial Library - South Hadley, MA
Thanks to the ARSL grant, the Gaylord Memorial Library in South Hadley upgraded its outdated fluorescent lighting to energy-efficient LEDs, dramatically improving the environment for our diverse patrons. The new lighting reduces eye strain and enhances reading comfort, especially benefiting our aging population, students, and underserved residents who rely on the library for internet access and educational resources. This project has not only created a safer, more comfortable space but also reinforced our commitment to serving the community's evolving needs!
Kate Hunter
Orwell Free Library - Orwell, VE
 With help from the ARSL grant, the Orwell Free Library successfully launched the Food & Farm Fests, connecting over 25 local vendors with our community. The events not only showcased a wide range of products but also fostered a sense of unity in our town. Local farmers gained new customers, with some making lasting sales that continued into the fall. Additionally, we were able to purchase an accessible table for our town green, ensuring everyone can comfortably join in the community celebrations.
The project also inspired the creation of a community garden, which is a direct result of the collaborative energy generated by the Fests. By partnering with the Orwell Village School and local gardening experts, we developed a garden with seven raised beds to continue growing fresh produce for the community. The long-term sustainability of the project is supported through local business sponsorships and the dedication of library volunteers and staff, ensuring that the events and initiatives will continue to thrive for years to come.
Evan Hale
Gladys E. Kelly Public Library - Webster, MA
With the support of the ARSL grant, we successfully added 15 laptops to our circulating collection and launched monthly tech literacy workshops. These laptops have provided patrons with access to technology in a private setting, particularly benefiting those who require a webcam for online meetings. The workshops have helped many users, especially those with little or no experience with technology, gain confidence in using computers for essential tasks. Feedback from participants indicates an increase in their digital skills and comfort with everyday technology use. The addition of these resources has made a significant impact on our community, with 34 laptop circulations and 18 individuals attending our workshops. Moving forward, we plan to continue offering these services with support from our dedicated staff and feedback-driven lesson plans, ensuring the sustainability of this valuable program.
2024 Grant Recipients
Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, China Village, ME
Arvin A. Brown Public Library, Richford, VT
Baldwin Memorial Library, Wells River, VT
Bennington Free Library, Bennington, VT
Blake Memorial Library Association, East Corinth, VT
Bridgton Public Library, Bridgton, ME
Cook Memorial Library, Tamworth, NH
Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, VT
Cushman Library, Bernardston, MA
Cutler Memorial Library, Plainfield, VT
Dyer Library Association, Saco, ME
East Bridgewater Public Library, East Bridgewater, MA
Effingham Public Library, Effingham, NH
Gaylord Memorial Library, South Hadley, MA
Gladys E. Kelly Public Library, Webster, MA
Granville Public Library, Granville, MA
Greensboro Free Library, Greensboro, VT
Highgate Library & Community Center, Highgate, VT
Holbrook Public Library, Holbrook, MA
Hubbard Free Library, Hallowell, ME
Kimball Public Library, Randolph, VT
Licia & Mason Beekley Community Library, New Hartford, CT
Monson Free Public Library, Monson, ME
Moultonborough Public Library, Moultonborough, NE New Ipswich Library, New Ipswich, NH
New Vineyard Public Library, New Vineyard, ME
Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock, VT
Olive G. Pettis Library, Goshen, NH
Orford Social LIbrary, Orford, NH
Orwell Free Library, Orwell, VT
Peacham Library, Peacham, VT
Rockingham Free Public Library, Bellows Falls, VT
Somesville Library Association, Mount Desert, ME
Taylor Memorial Library, Hancock, MA
Allenstown Public Library, Allenstown, NH
Witherle Memorial Library, Castine, ME
Charlotte Library, Charlotte, VT
Edythe L. Dyer Community Library, Hampden, ME
Mercer Shaw Library, Mercer, ME
Russell Memorial Library, North Ferrisburgh, VT
Plainville Public Library, Plainville, MA
Voluntown Public Library, Voluntown, CT
Warren Public Library, Warren, VT
Westford Public Library, Westford, VT
Westminster West Public Library, Putney, VT
Whitefield Library, Whitefield, ME
Whiting Library, Chester, VT
Wilmot Public Library, Wilmot, NH
WTA Hansen Memorial Library, Mars Hill, ME
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