(WNY News Now) – On Giving Tuesday, the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation announced its 2024 grant recipients, supporting 35 rural New York libraries with funding to enhance literacy and children’s programming.
On this Giving Tuesday, the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation was honored to announce the 2024 recipients of its annual library grant program, which supports rural public libraries in communities with limited resources. Inspired by a commitment to invest in initiatives that strengthen families and the communities in which they live, work, and play, the Foundation provides meaningful assistance to libraries that serve as vital centers of learning for children and families.
Founded by John Henry Eldred Jr., a lifelong advocate for books and reading, the Foundation was created to honor his late mother, Dorothy Louise Kyler, and their shared belief in the transformative power of literacy. Since 2012, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in grants to rural libraries, helping grow and enhance access to children’s and young adult collections. In 2023, the Foundation expanded how the libraries could spend the money which now includes programming support, equipment & supplies, in addition to children’s and young adult collections.
Grant Criteria
This year’s grants were awarded to libraries that met the following criteria:
- Located in rural communities at least 10 miles from an urban cluster
- Serve populations under 25,000
- Serve communities where at least 18% of the population lives in poverty
The John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation follows the yearly geographic focus set by the Association of Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) annual conference. This approach ensures that the selected area reflects the current challenges and priorities faced by libraries in those communities. By rotating the geographic focus each year, the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation aims to make a targeted and impactful contribution, addressing the unique needs of rural libraries across the United States.
“We are humbled to play a small part in supporting the essential work of rural libraries,” said Mike Deetsch, executive director of the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation. “These libraries serve as beacons of hope and opportunity, often in areas with limited resources. By working with them, we aim to help children and families discover the joy of reading and the doors it can open.”
Across the state of New York, the following rural libraries were awarded grants in the Fall 2024 Grant Cycle:
- Ogdensburg Public Library, Ogdensburg
- Richville Free Library, Richville
- Fluvanna Free Library, Jamestown
- Bridgewater Free Library, Bridgewater
- Hammond Free Library, Hammond
- Elbridge Free Library, Elbridge
- Ahira Hall Memorial Library, Brocton
- Seneca Nation Library, Salamanca
- Wayland Free Library, Wayland
- Mary Wilcox Memorial Library, Whitney Point
- Rouses Point Dodge Memorial Library, Rouses Point
- Alfred Box of Books Library, Alfred
- Dunkirk Public Library , Dunkirk
- Sidney Memorial Public Library, Sidney
- Olean Public Library, Olean
- Fort Plain Free Library, Fort Plain
- Hazeltine Public Library, Jamestown
- Friendship Free Library, Friendship
- Philmont Public Library, Philmont
- Scio Memorial Library, Scio
- Blount Library Inc, Franklinville
- Fort Hunter Free Library, Amsterdam
- Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library, Odessa
- Phoenicia Library, Phoenicia
- Edmeston Free Library, Edmeston
- Ellisburg Free Library, Ellisburg
- Annie Porter Ainsworth Memorial Library, Sandy Creek
- Hunter Public Library, Hunter
- Wadsworth Library, Geneseo
- Gloversville Public Library, Gloversville
- Brunswick Community Library, Troy
- Smith Memorial Library, Chautauqua
- Salamanca Public Library, Salamanca
- William B. Ogden Free Library, Walton
- Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library, Monticello
Three of these grantees were awarded a higher dollar amount to meet their unique needs for this year:
Salamanca Public Library – $7,000
After years of budget cuts, Salamanca Public Library seeks funding to revitalize its children’s book collection and enhance programming. The grant would prioritize updating the outdated nonfiction section, expanding fiction offerings, and supporting monthly children’s events, including hiring performers for a revamped Summer Reading Program.
William B. Ogden Free Library – $10,000
William B. Ogden Free Library plans to replace its outdated, non-ADA-compliant circulation desk to create a safer, more inclusive space. The new desk would improve accessibility for children as well as patrons with disabilities, enhance staff safety, and foster a welcoming environment for all. The project involves a collaborative redesign with architects and builders to meet community needs.
Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library – $12,500
Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library seeks to replace its outdated AWE Early Learning Stations in the Children’s Room. New bilingual and after-school stations would provide STEM and literacy games for children ages 4–12, supporting Spanish-speaking families and fostering early bilingual exposure for all patrons. Updated units will better serve the library’s diverse community while promoting educational play.
As we celebrate Giving Tuesday, the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation reaffirms its commitment to supporting rural libraries, which serve as essential hubs of learning and community engagement in underserved areas. Through its annual library grant program, the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation aims to empower libraries to expand their resources, foster literacy, and enhance programming for children and families.
The Foundation expresses its gratitude to the libraries for their dedication to serving their communities and looks forward to continuing its partnership with these vital institutions.
For more information about the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation and its mission, please visit jhefoundation.org.
About John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation
The John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation proudly funds nonprofits and libraries dedicated to addressing critical aspects of society, such as food insecurity, housing stability, and youth education. Since our inception in 2012, we’ve had the privilege of making substantial contributions, totaling $3,046,900, to over 85 nonprofit organizations in the Greater Toledo Area and small, rural libraries in low-income communities. These contributions include the most recent grant cycle in 2023.
As a young and growing organization, The Foundation aspires to be a beacon of hope, embodying the values of our founder, John Henry Eldred Jr. His legacy of generosity and community service serves as our guiding light. Through strategic investments and unwavering dedication, we remain committed to uplifting families and communities, ensuring a lasting impact in the lives of those we have the privilege to serve.
For more information, please visit jhefoundation.org/.
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