Norton Public Library Recertified

Norton Public Library has officially been recertified by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

In order to be recertified, the library needed to be open 40-hours a week and spend money on supplies and programming. Norton was among many libraries that met the requirements for the FY2013 State Aid to Public Libraries program, and 167 were collectively awarded more than $1.5 million in state aid funds by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners at its Dec. 6, 2012 Board Meeting.

Norton Public Library last applied to the program in fiscal year 2009, but was denied a Municipal Appropriaion Requirement waiver due to a 33 percent cut.

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“The Board understands that losing state aid certification is difficult for the library and the residents it serves. It is not a decision we take lightly, “ said Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners chairman Frank Murphy in a press release. “We gladly welcome these communities back into the State Aid to Public Libraries program.”

State aid can be used to keep the  library open, buy new computers, or enhance literacy programming. Norton residents can now borrow books, CDs and DVDs from any library in the SAILS network, which they haven’t been able to do for over four years. Patrons now have access to over 4 million items.

“Staff said they feel like their hard work has paid off, and they are thrilled to be able to give patrons the good news,” said library director Lee Parker. “It's like a Christmas present to the town of Norton!”