Albany Co. Public Library Gets $1Mil In Renovation/Expansion Funds

Five Wyoming libraries have been approved for $12.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act  funding from the Wyoming Library Multi-Purpose Community Facility Program (WLMCF).  This Wyoming State Library federal subgrant program is funded by the Coronavirus Capital  

Projects Fund (CPF) through the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Assistance Listing Number  21.029; Federal Award Identification Number CPFFN0188).  

“Our libraries, like many organizations, were greatly affected by the pandemic,” said Abby  Beaver, Wyoming State Librarian. “We’re grateful for the ARPA funding that will help local  libraries better provide the resources and services that people in their communities need.” 

The largest amount approved was $8,497,458 to Park County Library for construction of a new  branch library building in Powell. The total project cost is $13 million, with the balance of  funding coming from Park County and other sources.  

Albany County Public Library was approved for $1,030,136 for meeting and conference room  renovations as well as an expansion that will create a children’s activity center at the main library  in Laramie. Sweetwater County Library System was approved for $1,475,646 to renovate large  meeting rooms at three different library locations in Green River and Rock Springs. Uinta  County Library was approved for $647,171 for health and safety improvements at the main  library in Evanston. Washakie County Library has been approved for $949,589 for an expansion  to the library in Worland. 

The WLMCF is a competitive subgrant program that made $12.6 million in funding available for  library construction and renovation projects that support work, education and health monitoring.  Eligible projects address community needs that were created, exacerbated or made apparent by  the Covid-19 public health emergency.

Wyoming State Library | 2800 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002 | (307) 777-6333 | library.wyo.gov 

“We’re grateful that the Governor’s Office worked with us and was supportive when the State  Library submitted a proposal to use ARPA money for library construction,” said Beaver. “We’ve  also been fortunate to have help setting up and running this program from WYDOT and the State  Budget Department. Their expertise has been invaluable. It’s a great example of state agencies  working together to benefit Wyoming residents.” 

Questions about the WLMCF may be directed to Abby Beaver, Wyoming State Librarian, at  abby.beaver@wyo.gov or (307) 777-5913. 

The Wyoming State Library was first established in 1871 as the Wyoming Territorial Library.  By statute, it is the official repository of state government documents and is responsible for the  extension and development of library services statewide. The WSL manages the statewide  WYLDcat library catalog, the GoWYLD research databases and electronic resources and the  Digital Collection Suite of Wyoming historical documents and information. Learn more about  the WSL at library.wyo.gov. 

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