The Millicent Library was one of ten libraries from across the Commonwealth to be awarded a $6,000 Preservation Assessment Grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).
Massachusetts libraries are home to historic and unique items that are important to a community’s history and form a part of the Commonwealth’s rich cultural heritage. Many libraries protect and share irreplaceable local records, in mixed formats of books, photographs, archives, digital files, and even memorabilia. Preserving them and making them accessible to generations to come is the goal of the annual Preservation Assessment Grants.
“Historical collections teach us about present-day experiences and build empathy through understanding the lives and struggles of others,” said Rob Favini, Head of Library Advisory & Development and Government Liaison at the MBLC. “The grants help libraries develop short-term and long-term preservation priorities so that these important collections can continue to be shared.”
The Millicent Library will work with Bexx Caswell-Olson of the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) for a full preservation needs assessment of its art, archives, and special collections. Caswell-Olson has more than ten years’ experience in the preservation and conservation field, and currently serves as Director of Book Conservation at NEDCC. She is an approved CAP Assessor for the Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) Program through the American Institute for Conservation.
Caswell-Olson will provide the library with a report addressing possible risks to collections from building-related problems, security concerns, collection policies and procedures as they apply to preservation, (including selection for digitization, conservation, or exhibition), and the impact of environmental conditions on collections. She will provide recommendations for improving storage and handling practices and considerations for unique formats in the collections. She will help library staff identify short- and long-term preservation priorities for collections, to ensure that they remain accessible for future generations.
The complete list of FY24 Preservation Assessment grant recipients is below.
FY2024 Preservation Assessment Grants
Ayer Library
Bridgewater Public Library
East Bridgewater Public Library
Framingham Public Library
Hopkinton Public Library
Lynnfield Public Library
Millicent Library
Norfolk Public Library
Rockland Memorial Library
Woburn Public Library
MBLC Preservation Assessment Grants are supported by the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) which is administered on the federal level by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and in the Commonwealth by the MBLC. More information about LSTA can be found on the Board's website, mblc.state.ma.us, and information on how the MBLC uses federal funding to support libraries is available on mblclsta.com.
IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Their mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. IMLS’ grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.