Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 14, 2022

Caroline Pynes, Chichester Town Library

Phone number 603-798-5613

chichestertownlibrary@gmail.com

CHICHESTER TOWN LIBRARY to receive NH State Library ARPA grant funding

CHICHESTER TOWN LIBRARY is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $6,196.03 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.

CHICHESTER TOWN LIBRARY will use this grant award to coordinate statewide literacy projects, including the summer reading program and other programs geared to different age groups and underserved populations. We also partnered with the Elkins Public Library in Canterbury for this grant award.

In the grant application, CHICHESTER TOWN LIBRARY detailed that it would meet these needs by using grant funds to purchase air filters for the library as well as literacy tools (Little Sprouts backpacks & play away tablets) and programming aids (flat screen TV, audio system & DVD player).

“We are so thankful for our community in Chichester and we want to provide the best library services, despite the pandemic. The air filters will allow us to have people meet in a heathy environment,” said Library Director Caroline Pynes.

“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.”

CHICHESTER TOWN LIBRARY’S goal is to have these resources available by spring of 2022.  However, the library will be holding a public meeting soon, in regards to the Grant monies, before they are spent.

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.