Library awarded $4.6 million grant

Madera County Library received a grant for $4.6 million from the California State Library’s Building Forward Library Infrastructure Project.

The funds, which was announced Friday, will support improvements to the North Fork Branch Library through building projects that address life safety and other critical maintenance needs.

First priority for grants was given to the state’s least-resourced communities and projects that address critical life and safety facility needs including seismic safety, heating and air system replacement, building security, and improved Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility.

“There are lots of reasons 24 million Californians have library cards. Local libraries are cornerstones of their communities and critical parts of California’s education system,” said Greg Lucas, California State Librarian. “Strengthening public libraries strengthens California and helps make it easier for all Californians to get the information and assistance they need to succeed and thrive.”

Madera County Library Director Krista Riggs adds, “Our North Fork Library is a very busy, active center that is much loved by the community, and we’re so grateful for this funding that will help make the library an even more welcoming and strong resource in the area.”

A full list of projects to be funded in this round of grants under the Building Forward Library Improvement Grant Program can be found at https://www.library.ca.gov/services/to-libraries/building-forward/.