USDA awards $1 million to support growth of Rockford’s Krause Memorial Library

What’s happening: The Krause Memorial Library in Rockford has received a $1 million grant for an expansion project from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Community Facilities program. The money will help the Kent County city purchase furniture for the library’s expansion project, which will double the size of the library.  

About the expansion: The library is one of the smallest in the Kent District Library system. Built in 1937, the library has been expanded twice, in 1963 and 1989. The expansion will more than double the library’s size, improve all forms of accessibility, add a drive-up book return, a larger, flexible community room and extend hours. The existing space will be transformed into the adult wing with five study rooms, a large quiet reading room and designated reading area.

What they’re saying: “Literacy is the cornerstone of education and the updates provided by this grant will help to ensure the Krause Memorial Library will continue as a resource for learners, both old and young, for generations to come,” said Dom Restuccia, who is state director for Rural Development in Michigan . “From public safety to public libraries, the Trump-Vance Department of Agriculture is committed to restoring rural America and supporting towns like Rockford.”

About the funding: The USDA is administering the funding through Rural Development’s Community Facilities program. The agency offers direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for public service buildings to improve the quality of life, develop and sustain rural America. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity and infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials.