Richards Free Library is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $23,076 in funding through the Institute for Museum and Library Services’ “Grants to States” program. The grant program is part of the American Rescue Act Plan of 2021 and is being facilitated by the N.H. State Library.
The Richards Free Library will use this grant award to create a circulating board game collection, expand our circulating video game collection, and create gaming programs for all ages here at the library.
In the grant application, Richards Free Library detailed that it would meet these needs by using grant funds to purchase video games, video game consoles, as well as board games and accessories. We will be hosting monthly gaming programs and plan to collaborate with other local libraries including Abbott Library in Sunapee and Tracy Memorial Library in New London on these programs.
“We know a lot of people have missed our board game nights since the pandemic started, and we hope that being able to circulate board games will be a first step in bringing back gaming in the library. The video game programs… we know those will be a big hit with the teens and we hope in the Spring that we’ll be in a place to allow programs back in the building,” said Justine Fafara, Library Director.
“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 N.H. 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.”
“As pillars of our communities, libraries and museums bring people together by providing important programs, services and collections. These institutions are trusted spaces where people can learn, explore and grow,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “IMLS is proud to support their initiatives through our grants as they educate and enhance their communities.”
Richards Free Library’s goal is to have the program up and running by May 2022.
Part of the N.H. 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 www.imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.
