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Mansfield Public Library wins state award, launches food fridge and expands digital‑navigator services
Summary
Library Director Liz Andrews told the council the library won a Connecticut State Library Excellence award for literacy work, added a community fridge and satellite pantry, expanded multilingual children’s collections and digital‑navigator technology help (1,100+ appointments), and reported higher visits and program attendance year over year.
Library Director Liz Andrews updated the council on the Mansfield Public Library’s recent awards, new services and program growth. The library received an Excellence in Public Libraries Award from the Connecticut State Library for advancement in literacy and education, recognized specifically for the Digital Navigator program.
Andrews described two recent community services: a satellite food pantry operated in partnership with Human Services and a community fridge, stocked by donors, the Friends of the Library and partner organizations. She said the fridge is modeled on a program she ran previously and is intended to expand access to fresh produce when the library is open.
The library has added materials and services aimed at expanded access: a children’s world‑language collection (Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and Nepali), Tonies audio storytelling figures for family use, Wonderbooks with built‑in audio players to support developing readers, and online resources such as ABCmouse and expanded newspaper access (New York Times, Wall Street Journal). The youth and teen program attendance increased substantially, and the library reported about 57,000 visits and nearly 16,000 program attendees in the most recent year — both up from the prior year.
Andrews also highlighted the Digital Navigator team’s work: more than 1,100 technology assistance appointments, monthly outreach to senior housing (Juniper Hill), pop‑ups at the community center and partnerships with UConn and regional organizations. The library plans to add new museum passes and continue summer reading outreach with Human Services and the Downtown Partnership.
Ending: Council members praised the library’s expanded programming and outreach and thanked staff and volunteers; no council action was required.
