The Blackstone Public Library has won an important grant
from the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library
Services and Technology Act administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library
Commissioners. The Blackstone Public Library has received a
$5,000 federal IMLS/LSTA grant to be used for the
Pathways to Success: Health & Wellness project that encourages town
residents to become healthier by using library resources. Your library will
empower its adult patrons to use technology in assisting them to create,
manage, and reach goals which promote healthy lifestyle changes. Patrons may
sign up for weekly one to one classes with staff members who will assist them
in finding the answers they are searching for concerning health. Large group
classroom instruction and fun informative programs will be available, and guest
speakers will address topics such as meditation, nutrition, eating to manage
diabetes, etc. There will be programming and new library resources on
gardening, care of poultry, weight management, exercise, and much more. A new
library webpage http://www.pathwaystohealth.info,
will direct residents to these resources and events.
Upon learning that the Blackstone Public Library received
the federal grant, Lisa Cheever, director of the library, said, "This
grant will help the library meet the needs of a very important and vital
segment of our society. It is difficult for patrons to disseminate what
information on the Internet is helpful and valid. Our staff members want to
teach adults that finding accurate information in answering their health
related questions is as easy as checking their email."
In addition to the direct library grant program, the MBLC
uses LSTA funds to support statewide programs and services, including summer
reading programs, databases, the Commonwealth eBook Collection, the
Commonwealth Catalog, and mass.gov/libraries, which provides information and
resources for residents.
LSTA is administered on the federal level by the
Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Commonwealth of the MBLC. More
information about LSTA can be found at www.mass.gov/mblc.
