New England Small & Rural Libraries Grant

2025 Grant Information

For Small & Rural Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Libraries

Over the past three years, the Manton Foundation has partnered with ARSL to invest approximately $1.4 million to strengthen small and rural libraries across New England. This funding has played a crucial role in supporting critical infrastructure and service improvements, ensuring these libraries remain vital community resources. In 2024 alone, nearly two-thirds of applicants received grants averaging $12,000 per project. These awards primarily funded capital improvements, such as ADA accessibility upgrades, heating and air conditioning improvements, and LED lighting conversions. Additional grants supported community-driven programs, including food security initiatives, garden projects, and sustainability-focused events.

The public library serves as a cornerstone of small-town life, providing access to education, social services, internet connectivity, and cultural enrichment. This grant program ensures that libraries in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont can continue to offer essential services while adapting to the evolving needs of their communities.

ARSL administers these grants through a competitive application process for libraries serving populations meeting the IMLS definition of a small and/or rural library, but do not need to be active members of ARSL with regards to this particular program. Funds must be used for facility improvements or outreach and programming efforts that promote long-term sustainability. While first-time applicants receive priority consideration, past recipients may apply in future grant cycles.

Through ongoing support from the Manton Foundation, this program will continue to enhance library facilities and services, ensuring resilient, thriving communities throughout New England.

Open for applications: February 11 - March 10th. Grant Decisions will be posted in mid-April.

2023-24 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