Maine Libraries Benefit From Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation Grants

Several Maine libraries were the recipients of recent grants from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation. According to a list compiled by the Maine State Library, at least sixteen libraries received funds during the latest round of grant awards from the foundation.

?The Kings continue to be supportive of our public libraries,? said Valerie Osborne, a consultant with the Maine State Library. ?So many of our public libraries the benefited from their generous gifts over the years.?

The types of projects funded include infrastructure upgrades, like a new windows or paving, and renovation projects to improve existing space. One grant went to support the development of a multiuse green space.

Recipients include:

  • King Middle School (Portland, ME) $3,000 to add to their collection;
  • Blue Hill Library (Blue Hill, ME) $30,000 green building initiative;
  • Milo Free Library (Milo, ME) $30,000 window replacement and a heat pump;
  • Case Memorial Library (Kenduskeag, ME) $35,000 building renovations and collection development;
  • Swan?s Island Library (Swan?s Island, ME) $35,000 to transform the reading room to a conference center;
  • Thomaston Public Library (Thomaston, ME) $2,500 to fund a summer reading and activities program;
  • Orono Public Library (Orono, ME) $25,000 for a multiuse green space behind the library;
  • Caribou Public Library (Caribou, ME) $15,000 for new carpeting;
  • Rumford Public Library (Rumford, ME) $45,000 to restore the reading room ceiling;
  • Harrison Village Library (Harrison, ME) $15,000 new coding system;
  • Cundy?s Harbor Library (Cundy?s Harbor, ME) $5,000 to pave the driveway and parking area;
  • Hamlin Memorial Library (South Paris, ME) $10,000 for renovations;
  • Lawrence Public Library (Fairfield, ME) $15,000 for roof replacement;
  • Weld Public Library (Weld, ME) #50,000 for interior renovations;
  • Joanne Waxman Library, Maine College of Art (Portland, ME) $2,000 for the development of an emergency preparedness and recovery plan; and
  • Soldiers Memorial Library (Hiram, ME) $10,000 to make the front entrance handicap accessible.

?Many of the libraries that received grants were small town institutions that serve as the cornerstone of their communities,? said Maine State Librarian James Ritter. ?This funding will help them undertake important projects that will help them remain sustainable in the future.?

The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation conducts two grant reviews each year with deadlines on June 30 and December 31. Applications can be submitted at any time, but will not be considered until after those deadlines. For more information, visit the foundation?s website at: www.stkfoundation.org.