The Galesburg Public Library Foundation is the recipient of $2,500 “A Community Thrives” grants from the USA Today Network as part of the Gannett Foundation Inc.
The grant supplements the $13,250 raised by generous donors from the Galesburg community, bring the total number raised to $15,750.
A Community Thrives supports non-profit organizations with community-building-focused projects and, since 2017, has helped contribute more than 17-million dollars and has contributed to participants in 45 states this year.
The grant allows a community a chance to come together to achieve our shared goals of creating a space that fosters independence, innovation, and collaboration
The GPL Foundation supports new and existing library services and helps expand its resources. The Foundation works hand-in-hand with the Galesburg Public Library laying the groundwork for the new library construction.
The foundation says the grant will support a technology lab in the new library building which will allow for training, teamwork, and discovery.
In this space, the library will introduce new technologies to users of all ages, interests, and abilities and will invite groups to utilize the space together to accomplish their own educational goals.
Library Director Noelle Thompson says in a release that the lab will help bridge the digital divide, providing equitable services and equipping people for the workforce or higher education.
The Galesburg Library plans to begin construction on the new building in the spring.
