The Nebraska Community Foundation recently issued a press release announcing the eight Nebraska public libraries that received Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund grants for 2014. Reggie Carlson, Communications Director of the Foundation, sent the following information to most newspapers in Nebraska. The recipients are:
Auld Public Library in Red Cloud received $20,000 in matching funds to construct an addition to the existing library, add an elevator and restrooms that are ADA compliant, and complete a number of renovation and repair projects, including the installation of new plumbing and HVAC system.
Culbertson Public Library was awarded $20,000 to construct and furnish a new 3,000-square-foot library. The community has already raised more than $300,000 for the project.
The
Deshler Public Library Foundation has launched a $1 million challenge grant fundraising campaign for the construction of a new library. The Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund is assisting with a grant of $20,000.
The
Elgin Public Library will use $3,275 in matching funds to purchase microfilm of The Elgin Review newspaper from 2005 through 2012, and to digitize 50 reels of microfilm and purchase a searchable external hard drive.
Exeter Public Library is using its Kreutz-Bennett grant of $2,545 to create and furnish a “Tech Lounge” to increase accessibility to the Internet, computers and other electronic devices for library patrons.
Hruska Memorial Public Library in David City will use its grant of $6,335 to increase accessibility by installing automatic swings with push plates and push/pull handles for the library’s main entry doors and three interior doors. The project will also replace three exterior doors to prevent moisture damage and unauthorized entry.
Jensen Memorial Library in Minden will use its $7,000 grant to install new shelving and a dual book drop. The current utility shelving is not designed for books.
Walthill Public Library will use its planning grant of $2,500 for salary support to extend library hours of operation, as required by accreditation guidelines, and to support the library director’s efforts toward achieving accreditation.
The Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund grants are decided upon by the nieces and nephews of the late Shirley Kreutz Bennett who left a legacy in support of public libraries in Nebraska towns with 3,000 or fewer residents. Grant monies of about $70,000 to $80,000 are distributed each year in three grant areas:
- Planning grants leading to accreditation
- Enhancement grants to improve library services
- Facilities grants for new construction or the renovation, restoration or rehabilitation of current libraries
The Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF). For more information contact:
Reggie Carlson, NCF Communications Director, (402) 323-7331, or
rcarlson@nebcommfound.org
or go to the NCF
website article on the Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund for information on the 2015 grant cycle.
