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6/25/26 – ATHOL – The Athol Public Library is proud to have been awarded a grant through the Connected and Online Program from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute. The goal of the grant project is to improve quality of life for Massachusetts residents by providing easier access to essential services and resources online.
The Connected and Online Program is designed to increase access to education, workforce development and health care services with a particular focus on Gateway Cities and rural communities.
The Athol Public Library was granted 150 new laptops and tablet computers to use for technology education and to lend on a long-term basis to qualified Massachusetts residents. To qualify, borrowers must be 18 or older, have (or obtain) a library card and plan to use the device for some of the following purposes:
- To access health insurance applications, medical portals, or pharmacy
- To access virtual trainings, search for jobs, or perform virtual employment
- To apply for continuing education grants
- To access resume building tools and sites
- To attend online courses
- To make use of grocery, medicine, or medical supply delivery
The Athol Public Library is working with several service organizations to reach potential borrowers. These include MassHire, MassAbility, Valuing Our Children, and local schools and community colleges. However, you do not need a referral from an agency to be considered.
There is a brief (10-15 minute) orientation process for setting up borrowers with devices. If you are interested in receiving a laptop or tablet, please call the library at 978-249-9515 to set up a time to come in.
Funded through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, the Connected and Online Program is a $28.5 million initiative that is providing Massachusetts-based organizations with 26,368 devices, including laptops, tablets and desktop computers. In addition, more than 20,000 pieces of supporting equipment including monitors, assistive technology and remote patient monitoring tools will be made accessible to more than 200 of these organizations statewide, including nonprofits, hospitals, libraries, and elder and youth aid organizations. Devices will be used in public spaces such as schools, libraries and learning centers, or incorporated into free-to-borrow lending programs.
“Massachusetts residents rely on the internet every day to find work, take classes, access health care and build stronger community ties,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The Connected and Online Program helps residents improve their lives by equipping them with the capacity to directly access services and opportunities.”
“The Connected and Online Program is an example of how Massachusetts is focused on expanding economic opportunity for all our residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By supporting local organizations that serve as anchors for connection and learning, the program meets residents where they are and invests in communities.”
About the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech
A division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is working to extend high-speed internet access and availability across the state. To achieve this, MBI uses state and federal funding to launch infrastructure expansion programs that target areas of the state that lack high-speed internet access as well as digital equity programs that tackle barriers to internet adoption and increase availability, addressing critical issues around affordability, enhanced public Wi-Fi, the need for internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy training.
5/20/2026 – Remaking Main Street Presents: Small Business Showcase
5/19/2026 – For those interested in information on the new housing complex at Residences in the Park at the Bigelow and Riverbend Schools site there is a web site with a video with highlights from one of their presentations.
Click here to visit the web site.
5/19/2026 – Mass Barr Association 2026 Elder Law Education Guide is now available online. Click here to view or download.
1/13/2026 – Older Driver Safety Awareness Video
6/9/2025 – Lord Pond Plaza Plans and updates.
See the following web sites for more information and updates:
https://lordpondplaza.wordpress.com/
https://www.bscgroup.com/portfolio/greening-lord-pond-plaza/
4/16/25 – Grandparents’ Support Group – “A place where grandparents can come to talk, listen, and learn from one another in a supportive space.”
Weekly meetings on Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at
Valuing Our Children, North Quabbin Patch & Family Resource Center
109 Lumber Street, Athol
Support with childcare is provided
To sign up please call 978-249-5070
Funded by LifePath, children’s trust, Family Resource Centers
3/6/24 – Royalston Residents!!! Through the Royalston COA and in partnership with Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) residents aged 60+ are eligible for
door-to-door rides by reservation.
*Royalston residents only
*Ride must originate in Royalston
*Monday through Friday
*Athol trip – One way $1.00
*Orange trip – One way $2.00
*Gardner trip – One way $2.00
*Call 1-800-922-5636 to schedule your ride with minimum of 48 hours in advance
2/21/24 – Good News!
As of March 1, 2024, there is NO ASSET LIMIT for the Medicare Savings Program (formerly the Senior Buyin). The QMB Program pays for:
- Medicare Part A premiums
- Pays for Medicare Part B premiums
- Comes with Health Safety Net coverage at acute care hospitals and community health centers (CHCs)
- Pays for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copays
- Helps you with prescription drug costs by automatically enrolling you in Medicare Part D Extra Help.
1/5/23 – Sand For Seniors – The Athol Lions Club, with assistance from the Athol Council on Aging, is offering the “Sands For Seniors” program. This program will provide citizens with sand for their walkways during the winter months. All requests, new or refills must be made by calling the Athol Council on Aging at 978-249-8986. Five day notice is required. Must be age 65 plus. Athol residents
8/23/22 – The Salvation Army will deliver a hot meal to you on Tuesday evenings along with any other food items you may need. Please call the Salvation Army office for more information and to set up regular delivery. 978-249-8111
7/13/2022 – Caregiving can be a challenge. Here are 12 books on caregiving recommended for caregivers by Daily Caring.