The Chadron Public Library Foundation is one of 17 Nebraska nonprofits sharing $70 million dollars in state grants for “shovel-ready” building projects.
The Library Foundation is receiving $640,000 dollars through the Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery and Investment Act Program. The Foundation board issued a statement Thursday night saying it was excited to announce the grant.
Architectural plans for a multi-million dollar renovation of the Chadron Library were completed years ago and have been awaiting funding.
Foundation Board President Suzy Jones says the $640,000 grant will be used to complete renovation and upgrade of the existing 1913 Carnegie Library building, bringing it into the 21st Century and preparing it for the eventual expansion project.
Jones also sends a huge “thank you” to the 3 women who prepared the application for the grant – Library Director Rossella Tesch, retired community development leader Marguerite Vey Miller, and retired teacher Laurie Schmidt.
The Shovel Ready grant program was approved earlier this year by the Legislature and Gov. Jim Pillen using money from the state general fund.
The grants are to help nonprofits with capital projects that were delayed due to the pandemic or that will provide a positive economic impact to their communities.
The Chadron Public Library Foundation is the only non-profit in the Panhandle to receive a grant from the Nebraska Dept of Economic Development in the current go-round. The largest grant statewide was $30-million dollar to Creighton University
Donations to the Chadron Public Library Foundation are tax-deductible. Its mission is to solicit and receive gifts, bequests and grants for the use and benefit of the Chadron Public Library.
That is awesome! Thanks to those who have been on board for many years. We are so lucky to have you in Chadron. Can’t wait to see results. Keep up the good work.
Glad to see the grant went through!