Moultonborough Public Library receives national grant for small and rural libraries

MOULTONBOROUGH — Moultonborough Public Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries to participate in the fourth and final round of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.

The Moultonborough Public Library, as a selected recipient, will receive $10,000 in grant funding that will help the library improve access for patrons to the library and its services.

“We are thrilled to have been selected for the second year in a row to receive funding to improve accessibility at the library,” said Library Director Brittany Durgin. “This grant will be a catalyst for us to continue building meaningful relationships with residents with disabilities and help us ensure all feel welcome and comfortable in the library.”

The Moultonborough Public Library received $20,000 in 2025 through the same grant program.

Funds were used to install new assistive listening technology and hybrid meeting equipment that allows better participation in programs and meetings for with hearing and mobility limitations.

As part of this year’s grant, library staff will host a community conversation with residents about accessibility at the library, inviting them to share their ideas and needs for being able to better access library resources. The event will be held Wednesday, May 13 at 3:30 p.m. Those with disabilities are encouraged to attend. Feedback received at this community event will directly inform how the $10,000 in grant funds are used.

Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.

For more information, visit moultonboroughlibrary.org.