The Friends of the Athol Public Library were pleased to receive a call from Michealle Larkins, Vice President, Philanthropic Relationship Manager, Bank of America to announce that they had been awarded a $35,000 grant from the John W. Boynton Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee for the Athol Public Library Historical Research Center also known as the Archives or Local History Room.
The John W. Boynton Fund was established in 1952 by Dora Carter Boynton in memory of her husband and she expressed a desire in her will to give special consideration to charitable organizations in Athol.
Dr. Carol Ambrozy, primary grant writer worked with Library Director Deb Blanchard and library staff archivists Jean Shaughnessy and Karen McNiff to provide funding to furnish the new history room with compact movable shelving that will maximize space while offering a locked secure environment for the town of Athol’s rare history materials. Archival quality storage boxes, a computer and printer for researchers and furniture are also provided via the grant. In addition, there are funds to provide hours for a part time archival assistant to catalog and organize materials and assist customers with their in house and online requests.