The Blackstone Public Library was presented a $2,040 check for a grant from the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office to fund three art programs and two gaming programs for 5th through 12th grade students. From left to right, District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr., Young Adult Librarian Mandi Whipple and Blackstone Public Library Director Lisa Cheever. (Photo Courtesy Town of Blackstone)
BLACKSTONE — The Blackstone Public Library is pleased to announce that Young Adult Librarian Mandi Whipple has received a grant award to support arts and games for local teens and tweens.
The grant funding was provided through the Drug Forfeiture Community Reinvestment Program at the Office of Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. It will support five new programs for students in grades 5 through 12, expanding opportunities for young adults in the Blackstone community to participate in engaging programming based on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).
Through the grant, the library will host three hands-on art workshops and two interactive gaming events. For example, Pop Up Art School will lead three art classes focused on clay sculpting, needle felting and tin art, while One Up Games will provide two three-hour open-play gaming and virtual reality programs.
The new programming is designed to give middle and high school students meaningful opportunities to explore technology and creative expression in a welcoming community setting.
Library Director Lisa Cheever praised Whipple’s efforts and initiative in securing the funding.
“Mandi continues to be an asset to the library and the patrons she serves. We are fortunate that she enthusiastically applies for grants which benefit the teens and tweens of Blackstone,” said Director Cheever. “The library is a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages. We are also fortunate for the generosity of District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. to support these endeavors.”
Town Administrator Chad Lovett highlighted the broader community impact of the award.
“We are very grateful whenever we can obtain grant funding to invest in Blackstone’s youth,” said Town Administrator Lovett. “Providing structured, educational and engaging programming helps strengthen our community and offers young people constructive opportunities to learn and connect.”
Whipple said she is excited to introduce new experiences that reflect the interests of the library’s young adult audience.
“As the Young Adult Librarian at the Blackstone Public Library, my goal is to provide our 11- to 17-year-old patrons with a safe and comfortable meeting space as well as a wide range of enriching programs,” Whipple said. “We try to offer our patrons a diverse selection of programs to encourage their interests and introduce them to new and exciting opportunities.”
“I would also like to express my gratitude for the opportunities afforded by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office and for their commitment to making youth-focused programming a priority,” Whipple added. “This funding allows us to continue to provide our young adult patrons with opportunities to learn, grow, and socialize in a fun, welcoming environment.”
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