As its renovations near completion, the Roachdale Public Library received a significant funding boost from the Putnam County Community Foundation to finalize its renovation project.
PCCF gave the library a $50,000 grant to supplement the $75,000 the library has already raised from local businesses and donors. In addition, the library secured a $1.4 million bond from the Putnam County Council this year to help kickstart the first ever renovations at the 1912 Carnegie building.
"I am honestly speechless. This surprise came at our exact time of need," said Jennifer Stranger, director of the Roachdale Public Library. "This grant means that every donation we receive from this point forward can go directly toward the projects we previously had to set aside. We are ready for our next chapter and look forward to welcoming neighbors into our new space who previously couldn't access our library."
The front of the library will remain the same, while the entrance will shift to the side when complete. The library will also feature a new elevator, two ADA bathrooms, as well as a new addition.
"It is a huge renovation. This has been more than a 20-year process, but for the last seven years, we have really been working on this. Everyone will be able to walk into the building. You will come in a side entrance at street level, walk three steps down to the circulation desk, get in the elevator and go down three to four feet or go upstairs," Stranger said.
In the downstairs area, patrons will find collections for all ages. The upstairs area, accessible by elevator, will house a meeting area and provide space for programming.
"One of the biggest things we thought about was the building hadn't been touched since 1912. That was one of our largest driving forces. We know it could be 100 years before they do another renovation, possibly, and we looked at what we absolutely needed and what was essential. The daily service will move downstairs, and that means everyone will come in down there. The children's area, adult area and teen area will all be there and the upstairs will be our community space. We will now have a private board room. Home schoolers, and various groups will be able to come in and use it. It is a space for everyone. We have some people who come in and we are their only daily contact. People know we are here, and our staff is always willing to figure it out and find a book for you. With the renovation, our goal is to think of the things we want and need into the next couple of years," Stranger said.
Neysa Meyer, executive director of PCCF, said the grant is part of the foundation's investment in outlying communities, which is "essential to building an equitable and resilient Putnam County."
"Our 2023 Community Needs Assessment made it clear that rural areas in our county often face service gaps, particularly when it comes to safe, enriching environments for our children outside school hours. Roachdale Public Library serves an invaluable role for families across northern Putnam County, and we are proud to invest in a facility that will keep these vital services accessible to everyone for decades to come," Meyer said.
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