The Fowlerville and Brighton district libraries are among eight in Southeast Michigan to share in $500,000 in grant funding from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation for projects that “help libraries innovate as hubs for their communities.”
The grants to the Fowlerville and Brighton libraries account for more than half of the total awarded in this round of funding.
The Fowlerville District Library received the largest grant — $151,000 — which will be used to transform an undeveloped 1,024-square-foot storage area into a dedicated teen center. The funds will support renovation and furnishing costs, including constructions flooring, lighting, electrical work, technology, a kitchenette, tables, seating, shelving, computers, and a 3D printer.
The Brighton District Library received $71,500 to conduct an environmental review and feasibility analysis to evaluate the viability of constructing a trail and boardwalk to connect the library property to the Charles and Albert Park Families Nature Preserve. The grant will support professional consulting, planning, and engineering service fees.
“In many rural communities, libraries have built upon their role as hubs for learning, growing into trusted and dynamic spaces where residents can connect with resources, ideas, and one another,” said Maura Dewan, vice president of programs and corporate affairs at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “We are very proud to support library-led projects that reflect the aspirations and opportunities of the local communities and people they know best.”
Awarded grants are administered through The Library Network in partnership with Woodlands Library Cooperative and Suburban Library Cooperative. 60 library buildings across seven counties in Southeast Michigan are eligible as rural libraries.
“The Library Network is proud to partner with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and help provide funding to libraries with the Rural Library Grant Program. Michigan’s rural libraries provide meaningful services to their communities and with these awards, they can do even more,” said Steven K. Bowers, executive director of The Library Network.
Other grant awardees include: Ellis Library and Reference Center in Monroe County; Addison Township Public Library; Brandon Township Public Library; Lyon Township Public Library; Milan Public Library; and Orion Township Public Library.
These grants are from the first round of applicants, and awardees receive their funding this summer. The Rural Library Grant Program scheduled round two of grant submissions later this year.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grant-making organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his beloved Buffalo Bills NFL team.
Prior to his death in 2014, Wilson provided that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the foundation began with a grant-making capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires Jan. 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable, and overseen by those who knew him best.
For more information visit www.rcwjrf.org.
