The Mid Atlantic Library Alliance, usually referred to as MALiA, is happy to announce the recipients of the MALiA Library Program Grant.  The grants are awarded to libraries that are MALiA members with grants awarded to applicants that have proposed an innovative program.

Lonesome Pine Regional Library was awarded a grant for their StoryWalk Project.  The project will bring a StoryWalk to an active walking trail in their community.  Their goal is to get kids moving and enhance their vocabulary while having fun.  The $500 grant will help cover the cost of moveable sign frames and a selection of books to be used in the StoryWalk.  

Richmond Public Schools was awarded a grant for their Summer Lit Limo Program.  The Lit Limo travels throughout the city visiting neighborhoods, summer camps, community centers and schools to provide students an opportunity to choose a book to add to their home library.  In addition, school librarians will read to students before they choose a book.  The $500 awarded will add 135 new books to the Lit Limo and supplies for decorating bookmarks.

Scotland County Memorial Library was awarded a grant for their Summer Reading Program Messtival, an interactive and engaging literacy event designed to inspire children and families to cultivate a love for reading through hands-on, messy and creative activities.  By combining reading challenges with outdoor, sensory and STEM-based experiences, they aim to make literacy fun and accessible for all.  The $500 awarded will be used to secure a Foam-N-Fun Foam Party vendor as the highlight of the Messtival.

--Teresa Matney, Library Program Grant Committee Chairperson

The MALiA Scholarship Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the Spring 2025 Graduate Scholarship Award, an initiative dedicated to supporting promising individuals in their pursuit of excellence in the field of library science. This semester, we celebrate the achievements of four exceptional scholars whose dedication, passion, and innovative approaches are shaping the future of library services.

These scholars exemplify the values and mission of MALiA, serving as an inspiration to colleagues and aspiring library professionals alike. As recipients of the Graduate Scholarship Award, they represent the bright future of our profession, and we are honored to support their continued growth and success.

Join us in celebrating Isabella Horne, Aimee Haslam, Dustin Burgess, and Luke Jones! 

--Artemis Vex, Scholarship Committee Chairperson

The Mid Atlantic Library Alliance, usually referred to as MALiA, is happy to announce the recipients of the MALiA Library Program Grant.  The grants are awarded to libraries that are MALiA members with grants awarded to applicants that have proposed an innovative program.

Alleghany Highlands Regional Library was awarded a grant for the AHRL Joint Book Club Event.  The program is designed to bring their regular book club members together with the local high school’s dual enrollment English students.  The $500 grant will cover the cost of 37 copies of The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson to be given to the students participating and 6 copies to be circulated by library patrons who would like to participate.

Salem Public Library was awarded a grant for their Qigong: Mindful Movement Classes.  Qigong is a mind-body-spirit practice that involves slow, precise movements, controlled breathing, and mental focus.  The program will consist of free weekly classes in January and February.  The class will address the community’s need for low/no-cost options for exercise and physical wellness.  The $500 awarded will cover the cost of a certified instructor.

The Friends of the Bristol Library was awarded a grant to host an American Sign Language course.  The course will consist of eight classes offered in coordination with Bridges EAST for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing using The American Sign Language Phrase Book 3rd edition by Barbara Bernstein Fant.  The $500 awarded will be used to pay for the cost of the instructor.

--Teresa Matney, Library Program Grant Committee Chair

The MALiA Scholarship Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the Summer 2024 Graduate Scholarship Award, an initiative aimed at supporting promising individuals in their pursuit of excellence in the field of library science. This year, we celebrate the achievements of two outstanding scholars whose dedication, passion, and innovative approaches are shaping the future of library services.

These scholars embody the values and mission of MALiA, and their contributions serve as inspiration to colleagues and aspiring library professionals alike. As recipients of the Graduate Scholarship Award, they represent the bright future of our profession, and we are honored to support their continued growth and success.

Join us in congratulating Jessica Childers and Samantha Schimpf. Together, we celebrate their dedication to excellence and their enduring impact on the field of library science.

--Artemis Vex, Scholarship Committee Chairperson