Three NEKLS Libraries Awarded Nearly $2 Million in Grant Funding
Three public libraries in the NEKLS region—Beck-Bookman Library (Holton), Osage City Library, and Meriden-Ozawkie Library—have each been awarded $650,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, totaling nearly $2 million in funding. CDBG is a competitive grant program from the State of Kansas that distributes federal funds to support community development projects.
Governor Laura Kelly noted, “The Community Development Block Grant program continues to be a vital resource for our small and rural communities that are in critical need of infrastructure and institutional improvements.” The program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Quality Places Division, supports projects that
may not otherwise be feasible.
Beck-Bookman Library (Holton)
Holton will use its grant for a major expansion project, supported by nearly $2.9 million in local funding. The plan includes remodeling the current building and constructing a 5,200-square-foot addition on a neighboring lot acquired by a previous board. The project will add a large meeting room, a teen room, and nearly double the size of the children’s room. The grant will be matched by tax credit funds, donations, memorials, and savings. “This addition will be the first chapter of our total remodel to grow with our community and to become ADA compliant,” said Director Amy Austin.
Meriden-Ozawkie Library
The library will use its $650,000 grant to construct a new building, a long-held goal dating back nearly 20 years under former Director Jerie Tichenor. “We have been lucky to have such great support from many past board members, local businesses, and our community,” said Director Drew Sams. “With the CDBG and our fundraising efforts, we will be able to move out of our currently rented space and into a building that our community owns.” Plans include a functional layout, quiet study rooms, staff areas, flexible spaces, and indoor/outdoor programming areas. A community room and conference room are planned for Phase 2.
Osage City Library
Osage City Library will expand and repurpose its current building, adding private meeting rooms and a teen space. “The addition of a teen space will provide an area for teens to hang out, visit with friends, and study,” said Director Jeanette Stromgren. “By remodeling the current space, we will be able to offer a private space” for patrons using
the library for work, wi-fi, or as a meeting place for case managers and advocates.
The Northeast Kansas Library System congratulates these three member libraries on this significant achievement in improving library spaces to meet the evolving needs of their communities.