KENT COUNTY, Mich. — Kent District Library (KDL) is supporting the expansion of several branches and establishing a scholarship after receiving a $250,000 award.
The annual Jerry Kline Community Impact Award is a national prize that benefits public libraries. KDL received the fifth annual award this year. With the prize, KDL officials will allocate $50,000 to four locations and another $50,000 to establish a community scholarship fund.
Four branches—the cities of Rockford and Walker and townships of Grattan and Tyrone—currently have an expansion project underway.
“This gives us a unique opportunity to invest in the physical growth of branches in our community and in personal growth for exceptional patrons," said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner. "We are so pleased to give back to Kent County, whose residents so thoughtfully support our operations.”
The scholarship will be available for KDL patrons pursuing a college degree who plan to give back to the community. Applications for the scholarship will be accepted beginning in late 2024.
“The whole focus of the Jerry Kline Award is community impact, so it only seems fitting we use these funds to have a positive effect on the communities that we serve and love,” Werner said.
The Jerry Kline Community Impact Award was established in 2019. All public libraries in the U.S. are able to apply. For more information, click here.
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