Community foundation awards $175,000 to libraries
The Washington County Community Foundation recently awarded $175,000 in grants from the Community CARE Fund and the Horne Family Fund to 11 community-based libraries in Washington County.
Most of the grants were awarded to increase programming, including $10,000 to the Avella Public Library to create monthly cooking classes for adults and children, and $15,000 to Citizens Library to purchase scanners for its genealogical program. Bentleyville Public Library will use its $25,000 grant to create a multimedia room that will increase programming for patrons of all ages, and Frank Sarris Public Library will use its $25,000 grant to create a multipurpose area that will increase its children’s programming.
Maker spaces will increase programming at Charleroi Public Library, which received $5,000, and at the Heritage Public Library, which received $15,000. At the Donora Public Library, a $20,000 grant will increase youth programming by enabling the library to hire a part-time children’s resource librarian. The Marianna Public Library will use a $5,000 grant to increase programming for older patrons by purchasing large print books and securing speakers who appeal to mature audiences.
Burgettstown Community Library will use a $15,000 facility improvement grant to paint the interior of the facility and to install new flooring to make the library more welcoming to visitors.
A communications grant of $25,000 was awarded to Monongahela Area Library for a new website and also to upgrade its patron computer center. And Peters Township Public Library was granted $15,000 to replace antiquated audiovisual equipment.
“Public libraries serve as community centers throughout Washington County and offer diverse programming for all age groups,” said Betsie Trew, President & CEO. “Our objective with our ongoing financial support of public libraries is to equip our libraries with the tools necessary to continue to serve in this vital role for our communities.”