York Public Library (YPL) has been selected as one of 300 libraries nationwide to receive a grant from the American Library Association (ALA) as part of “Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities.” The initiative provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.
The $10,000 grant will help establish a Digital Learning Lab at YPL—the first of its kind in Maine. The Lab will offer a welcoming, inclusive space where students can explore creative digital tools like graphic design, digital photography, virtual reality, podcast production and coding. Through hands-on workshops, independent exploration and summer camps, students will build confidence in creative expression while developing valuable digital skills.
“We’re thrilled to bring this vision to life,” says Michelle Sampson, YPL’s Executive Director. “This grant provides us with the springboard to begin offering much-needed programs in digital services to enrich the lives of the children in our community, particularly those with disabilities.”
YPL is delighted to work in consultation with the York School District to expand access to technology and foster independent learning outside of school. Students (K-12) with diverse learning needs represent a significant and growing portion of the York population. According to 2024 data, more than 20% of students in the York School District require individualized support to succeed in traditional classroom settings. These students often face challenges in accessing creative and technological opportunities, a gap YPL’s Digital Learning Lab is designed to bridge.
Supported by the ALA grant, the Digital Learning Lab will be equipped with the necessary hardware and software to host hands-on workshops, open lab hours and, eventually, summer camps centered on technology and creative exploration. The space will also allow parents of students with diverse learning needs to actively engage in the learning process alongside their children, and receive instruction on assistive and accessible technologies. YPL is excited to work with the Roux Institute at Northeastern University in Portland, Maine, to tap their expertise and guidance in project management—pro bono—to ensure a strong and sustainable launch in early Fall.
“This grant is an incredible opportunity, not just for York Public Library, but for the entire community,” says Emily Matson, Vice President of the YPL Board of Trustees and chair of YPL’s Technology Committee. “It allows us to expand access to technology and new skills for all students through a supportive, innovative approach that we hope will serve as a model for libraries across Maine. We’re eager to build on this momentum and deepen our impact with continued community support.”
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS: INPUT NEEDED
As part of the ALA grant, YPL staff are required to host community conversations directly with priority audience—specifically students with diverse learning needs—about the Digital Learning Lab, to understand and further tailor the programming around their interests in technology.
“What better way to understand the unique needs of the people we’re serving than to ask them directly?” says Devin Burritt, YPL’s Reference and Technology Librarian and project lead for the Digital Learning Lab, “We might think we know what kids want, but until we talk to them, we’re just guessing.”
To help prioritize the direction and design of the Digital Learning Lab, YPL is hosting a series of listening sessions for students with special needs on Saturday, June 28: 2:20pm (grades K-4), 3:15pm (grades 5-8), and 4:00pm (grades 9-12). The sessions will be held after the library is closed for the day and participation is anonymous.
“This is a unique opportunity for kids to share their input and directly influence the project,” adds Burritt. If you are interested in taking part, have any questions, or would like to arrange to give feedback outside of the event hours, please contact Devin Burritt at dburritt@yorkpubliclibrary.org, or visit yorkpubliclibrary.org/calendar for more information.
ABOUT THE ALA INITIATIVE
Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.
Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL).
