Woburn Library Receives $50,000 Grant For Book Delivery Program

The grant will go to delivery to children and adults in Arlington, Lexington, Winchester and Woburn.

March 16, 2021 : Patch, by Christopher Huffaker

WOBURN, MA — Woburn Public Library was awarded a $50,000 state grant to establish a book-delivery program in the city and neighboring communities.

MassDevelopment announced the grant in partnership with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council Thursday. The two organizations awarded $2.5 million in funds to nearly 50 communities and other service providers through the taxi partnership grant program.

Woburn's grant will go "to contract with A&A Metro Transportation to establish a book-delivery program for children and adults in Arlington, Lexington, Winchester, and Woburn," the agency said.

Former Woburn Public Library Director Bonnie Roalsen said her team wrote the grant application in 2020.

"I am thrilled to see this funded, as it is an example of how libraries need to think differently in terms of service delivery," Roalsen said. "The former admin team and I hold the strong belief that libraries need to adapt their service models and platforms in fundamental ways in order to truly offer equitable and inclusive access to public services."

The grant program is funded by the state's Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund, MassDevelopment said. The Planning Council administers the program.

"The pandemic has stressed many transit systems, senior shuttles and other shared rides," said MAPC Executive Director Marc Draisen in a statement. "These grants will provide a critical resource to help municipalities and human service organizations to fill the gaps and ensure that people can get to work, shop for food and attend medical appointments. We are so pleased to have the folks who drive cabs and livery vehicles step up to provide these critical services, especially in these difficult times."