Nine rural Buffalo & Erie County Public Library locations to receive funding for projects

Nine rural branches of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library have been awarded grants through the Rural Library Grant Program, an initiative supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. This program underscores the vital role these libraries play as community hubs.

 

The Foundation has committed $1.5 million over a three-year period (2026-2028) to support rural public libraries across Western New York. The grants are co-administered by the Western New York Library Resources Council and the Rochester Regional Library Council.

 

The funded projects aim to enhance community engagement, expand educational opportunities, and improve access to essential services in underserved areas. The grants align with the Foundation's focus areas, including youth sports and recreation, after-school programming, parks and trails, nonprofit innovation, caregiver support, young adults and working families, entrepreneurship and economic development, and early childhood initiatives.

 

The following Buffalo & Erie County Public Library branches have received funding:

 

The Hulbert Library of the Town of Concord in Springville has been awarded $20,139 for the "One Booth, Many Opportunities: Access for All" project.

 

The Boston Free Library in Boston has received $20,000 for "Connecting the Community to Nature: A Native Plant Garden and Outdoor Educational Space."

 

The Town of Collins Public Library in Collins has been granted $39,061 for the "Work Pod in Town of Collins Public Library" initiative.

 

The North Collins Public Library in North Collins has been awarded $13,140 for the "Enjoy the Warm Weather: Library Kayak Lending Program."

 

The Angola Public Library in Angola has received $10,200 for "Study Seating for Success @ the Angola Public Library."

 

The Aurora Town Public Library in East Aurora has been granted $20,000 for "Preparing Tweens, Teens, and Young Adults for Success."

 

The City of Tonawanda Public Library in Tonawanda has been awarded $4,000 for the "Covered Bicycle Shelter and Community Resources" project.

 

The Elma Public Library in Elma has received $3,400 for "Roots of Elma: Rural Homesteading Through Libraries."

 

The Grand Island Memorial Library in Grand Island has been granted $33,188 for the "Grand Island Memorial Library Study Room Project."

 

These investments highlight the critical role rural libraries play in providing education, internet access, workforce support, and lifelong learning opportunities. The support from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation ensures that communities across Western New York continue to benefit from innovative programs and welcoming public spaces.

 

For more information about the funded projects or participating libraries, contact Joy Testa Cinquino, Assistant Deputy Director, Development & Communications at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library.