Grant awarded to the Windham Public Library

Twice a year, the Maine Public Library Fund awards grants to public libraries to be used for projects that create and test a new service or program, expand an existing service or program, bring specialized staff training to the library or region and/or support innovative and creative services for special populations and age groups. The grants are administered by the State Librarian and funds come directly from donations made by taxpayers on the Maine Income Tax form using Schedule CP Charitable Contributions.

In April, the Windham Public Library applied for and submitted the grant application and they were recently notified that they have received  $1500. “We have benefited from the grant program twice in the past to add technology devices to our children’s room,” stated WPL Director, Jen Alvino. “This year the grant funds will be used to expand our backpack program. We currently circulate themed backpacks from the children’s room collection. The backpacks are filled with books, games, and activities for children and families to check out and use together.”

Alvino also explained that the current themes for this year are nature, games, birds, magnets, history, seashore, and a microscope backpack.  “With the grant funds, we will be able to expand our offerings to new themes like rock hounds’ backpack kit, treasure hunting, save the earth as well as add healing backpacks with themes such as Alzheimer’s, death of a pet, death of a loved one, and divorce. The healing backpacks will have books and resources for families dealing with difficult situations and will provide helpful resources as they work through a tough situation.”

Alvino stated that the staff is excited to be able to expand their backpack program and especially believe the healing backpacks will provide an important resource for the community.