Sustainable & Resilient New England Libraries Grant
2025 Grant Recipients
- Albert Church Brown Memorial Library
- Allenstown Public Library
- Bancroft Memorial Library
- Belding Memorial Library
- Berlin Public Library
- Bethlehem Public Library
- Bonney Memorial Library
- Bremen Library
- Colebrook Public Library
- Cook Memorial Library
- Dickinson Memorial Library
- East Kingston Public Library
- Edwards Public Library
- Elkins Public Library
- Epsom Public Library
- Fiske Free Library
- Gilmanton Iron Works Library Association
- Highgate Library & Community Center
- Isaac F. Umberhine Public Library
- Jaffrey Public Library
- Kezar Falls Circulating Library
- Lincoln Public Library
- Madison Library
- Marc A. Hurzeler M.D. Library
- Maxfield Public Library
- Minot-Sleeper Library
- Moretown Memorial Library
- Moultonborough Public Library
- New Durham Public Library
- Norman Williams Public Library
- Oakland Public Library
- Orono Public Library
- Petersham Memorial Library
- Philbrick James Library
- Quechee Library
- Readfield Community Library
- Richmond Public Library
- Rockport Public Library
- Salisbury Free Public Library
- Sanbornton Public Library
- Shedd-Porter Memorial Library
- Skidompha Public Library
- South Dennis Free Public Library
- Starksboro Public Library
- Stonington Free Library
- Stonington Public Library
- Sutton Free Library
- The David & Joyce Milne Public Library
- Tracy Memorial Library
- Vinalhaven Public Library
- Wellfleet Public Library
- Westford Public Library
- Williamsburg Libraries
- Wilmot Public Library
2025 Grant Information
Closed For Grant Applications.
For Small and/or 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.
Through ongoing support from The Manton Foundation, this program will continue to enhance library facilities and services, ensuring resilient, thriving communities throughout New England.
Grant Guidelines:
- Libraries must be in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont.
- Libraries serving populations meeting the IMLS definition of a small and/or rural library
- Grants must be used for facility improvements or outreach and programming activities that provide the library with sustainability and build resilience. This year, grant funds may be used to support costs associated with fundraising initiatives.
- Sample projects include weatherization, ADA compliance updates, sustainable facility certification, improvements to library green spaces, community events focused on sustainability, and staff efforts to support the diversification of local library funding needs.
- Libraries selected for funding may use the grant for one-time, non-renewable projects.
- No general operating grants will be considered.
- The ARSL Grants, Awards & Scholarships Committee assesses applicability through an established rubric during selection.
- Priority is given to first-time applicants, however prior awardees may request additional grants during subsequent grant cycles.
- ARSL membership is not required to participate in the grant program.
- For more inquiries, please visit our Grant FAQ
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