HUBBARD — The Hubbard Public Library is one of 240 libraries nationwide to receive the Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities Award.

The selection was made by the American Library Association and came with a $10,000 grant to provide the library with community engagement and accessibility resources to help it better serve students with disabilities. This includes students with neurodiverse learning styles, learning disabilities and special needs.

The project will focus on virtual reality learning to help students with easing anxiety and building social skills. It also will have programs, services and resources to provide more inviting spaces for the community.

The library is partnering with the Hubbard Exempted Village School District to develop collaborative programs, including summer reading and learning programs, and after-school programs. Library and school officials had their first meeting regarding the award Monday.

Mary Mathews-Bebech, director of pupil services for the Hubbard schools, said the district already has comprehensive programs for disabled students at the school, but the partnership with the library will expand those opportunities.

“This partnership is going to allow us to use high-tech products to allow them to have more accessibility,” she said. “We’re hoping this will break down some barriers.”

Hubbard Schools Superintendent Raymond Solomon said the library assists its students in various ways.

“I am very familiar with the numerous diverse services, programs and activities that the Hubbard Public Library develops and provides to K-12 students, as well as all individuals in the Hubbard community, our school district personnel and beyond,” he said.

Soloman said this is not the first time the school district has worked with the library.

“The school district and the Hubbard Public Library have always and will continue to have a great working relationship,” he said.

He also said the library’s programs will have a positive impact on the students.

“It’s going to help our students by focusing on individualized academic subject offerings,” he said.