BRIDGTON — Bridgton Public Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries to participate in Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that helps library workers better serve their small and rural communities.

The competitive award comes with a $3,000 grant that will help the library work with local nonprofits and agencies to support workforce and small business development.

“We are so proud to be chosen for this amazing opportunity to participate in a nationwide program to support local communities,” said Library Director Amy Stone, in a news release from the library. “This grant will allow our library to know our residents better and help us build a happier and healthier community for our families.”

As part of the grant, library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a conversation with residents about workforce development and small business needs and use the grant funds to better coordinate and share resources available here in our community.

To get involved or taking part in the conversation, email Stone at [email protected], or visit bridgtonlibrary.org.