Grant Updates – 4/16/25
The Rooted in Reading grant program runs October 2024 through September 2025. We are already halfway through! Lots of things will continue and grow after the grant is officially closed.
Our mid-cycle budget/expense and performance report has been submitted to MBLC for review.
What does this report do?
What we’ve spent:
This report tells MBLC what we’ve spent ($) so far – like buying new plants and installing garden spaces, furniture, adding circulating items like our new gardening tools, programs we’ve offered, and other expenditures that have used grant money.
How we’re doing what we promised in the grant:
This is where we outline the time, attendance, quantity, and purpose of our spending. We share with MBLC how we’re helping patrons connect, learn more about nature, sustainability, community, and more. We share all the resources that have been created for library users, partnerships that are growing, and experiences we’re building for both staff and visitors.
Why it’s working
Because of YOU! Every department and RPL staff member has been pivotal in our Rooted in Reading success! People are processing items and invoices, dreaming up interesting programs, promoting initiatives and events, creating displays, forging partnerships for big community events, and adding their ideas and contributions everywhere. We estimate that at least 100 hours of staff time has already been contributed to Rooted in Reading activities. THANK YOU.
What’s next
Most of the grant money has been spent or planned for. Now we move into the final stages – fun spring and summer programs like the Plant Swap, Arbor Day Town Forest Tree Planting, Farm Day, and more.
We’ll be finding ways to better highlight Rooted in Reading books and Library of Things items, and expanding the use of our outdoor spaces as the gardens grow and the patio furniture arrives.
We will work together as a team to do some training and discussion of a short book, The Serviceberry, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, at our June 5 all-staff meeting. Ask your department supervisor if you need a copy!
We’ll be adding informational signage to our plants indoors and outside, and working with Busy Bee volunteers to maintain our new gardens.
We will wrap up the grant at the end of September, and then the library will start exploring Sustainable Library status, as our progress continues.
Did you hear RPL was awarded a “Dig In” grant? We are excited to use the “seed” money (pun intended) to launch one year of programming and services to establish RPL as the horticultural hub for the Town of Reading. The grant runs from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Below is a summary, or click for more background info.
The votes are in, and our grant program will be called “Rooted in Reading.” We are working on a logo and building the brand for our horticultural hub.
Stage 1: Beneath the Surface (Oct-Jan)
All gardens required planning and preparation. From design to digging, from selecting plants to sowing seeds, there is a lot to do. Action Items for “Beneath the Surface” of Rooted in Reading
- Branding: Design a logo and the Rooted in Reading identity.
- Use what we have: Identify and expand RPL existing green and sustainable efforts.
- Develop collections: Research LOT items and shelving needs and assess related NF collection holdings.
- Cohesive programming: Determine programming curriculum across ages and interests.
- Build community: Grow and develop partnerships, and design volunteer programs.
- Dig-In! Install new plantings along the parking lot side of the building.
Stage 2: Emerging Growth (Feb-May)
Waiting requires patience! What will emerge from all the planning and prep we did in Stage 1?
Stage 3: Harvesting Progress (Jun-Sep)
The final stage of the grant where we reap the fruits of our labors and gather seeds for our future sustainability.
What’s it all about?
RPL will use grant funds to Improve community connections, education, health, and accessibility by emphasizing green resources and focusing on a sustainably focused future.
How much money is it?
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners awarded RPL $20,000. RPL will supplement this amount, as needed, to meet our goals.
Why this grant?
Recent data shows people are feeling isolated and spend too much time indoors, affecting both physical and mental health. Reading’s population is growing. Green spaces for people and animals alike are shrinking. People are asking for more environmentally conscious learning opportunities and spaces. Reading has great organizations that focus on individual aspects of sustainability, but they are sometimes disconnected or underutilized. We want to align with the Town’s vision of becoming a designated “Green Community.” RPL provides a place for connection, education, and an opportunity to benefit from proven health and wellness advantages associated with natural spaces.
What will we do to address these needs?
- Build or expand four modest indoor and outdoor green spaces at RPL.
- Establish an ongoing volunteer garden ambassador program
- Build and strengthen community partnerships (garden clubs, health department, Scouts, etc.).
- Offer cohesive “green-focused” programming and services to people of all ages and abilities.
- Expand physical and digital collections, including the Library of Things, on topics like gardening, healthy eating, composting, and more.
- Add accessible information about green spaces both at RPL and other town resources.
- Provide staff training on environmentally sustainable library services and the health benefits of nature.
When is all this happening?
October 2024-September 2025, in stages, with regular updates and coordinated planning.
What’s my part?
One of the most exciting and important things about this grant is that it is a library-wide “All hands on deck!” initiative. All staff members can participate in everything from planning and implementing programs or services to answering questions or digging in the dirt.
The core grant team members are: Michelle Filleul, Kathryn Geoffrion Scannell, Andrea Hogan, Sara Kelso, Amy Lannon, Megan White, and Desiree Zicko. Please reach out to any one of us for more information.
Stay tuned for more information about how you can get involved!
Spending money:
Before making a purchase or arranging a program, please consult the grant budget procedure.
Reporting:
Track all grant-related programming, promotions and feedback/questions using the following:
- Communico:
- Programs and promotional materials should follow a consistent format depending on source of funding. This includes the grant acknowledgement statement and logos where applicable. Refer to Rooted in Reading Programming and Promotional Procedures for instructions.
- Grant Reporting Google Form – record expenses, staff time, stats, etc.
- Post-program survey (where applicable)
- Monthly reports – share about how passive and interactive programs went, any work you did on the grant, any other notable feedback.
- Gimlet tag “Rooted in Reading” – when patrons have questions or you get feedback on any element of the project (greenspaces, programs, marketing, etc). ALL staff should utilize this!
- Take pictures of grant-related activities! Upload to S:\ drive under Grants–>FY2025–>Dig In–>Photos
- Grant-related activity should be added to monthly reports as applicable.