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Project R.E.A.D. Begins

Friends of the Mary Cotton Public Library Launch Youth Library Renovation


The Friends of the Mary Cotton Public Library are excited to announce an extensive interior redesign of the Youth Library located upstairs at Mary Cotton Public Library (MCPL). Rethinking the space to be more accessible to all, the new environment will support the evolving needs of the library and the community it serves. It will include age-specific zones, a variety of soft-seating options, more visible navigation and a safe, interactive area for toddlers.



Project R.E.A.D. (Reach, Engage And Discover), as the renovation project has been named, is focused on enhancing these five key areas:

  • accessibility

  • safety

  • navigation

  • engagement

  • comfort

By thoughtfully addressing each of these, the new space’s design will better serve our community’s kids and families.


When asked her thoughts about the renovation, Randi Schmid, library patron and mother of four children, said, “I want my kids to be lifelong readers, so the library plays a huge role in our lives. This new renovation will help my older kids still find the library relevant to them as they grow, while engaging my younger kids at their levels.”


Project R.E.A.D. aims to serve more youth and families in the community through an accessible, engaging environment that encourages exploration and discovery.

Mary Cotton Public Library has always played an important role in the Sabetha community since its founding in 1912. Beyond the inherent value of books, today’s library also addresses the many evolving needs within the community, from internet access and free meeting space to test proctoring and early childhood development.

Project R.E.A.D. aims to serve more youth and families in the community through an accessible, engaging environment that encourages exploration and discovery.


“Times change and so do needs for the available space. This change-up is a great way to improve our children’s library space for the different age groups."

Approved by the Library’s Board of Trustees, the project is set to be completed in spring 2021. It will be worked on in stages to reduce the interruption of book access and services. The addition of new bookcases, seating and interactive features will be enhanced by new lighting, paint and carpeting for the space. The total project cost is estimated at $45,000. In addition to the library’s own financial contributions and early donations, the Friends of the Mary Cotton Public Library is seeking to fundraise $30,000 from the public to complete the project.


“It’s been more than ten years since the library renovation,” said Kim Priest, MCPL director. “Times change and so do needs for the available space. This change-up is a great way to improve our children’s library space for the different age groups. We are excited to be able to offer these plans and hope that the community will help support the Friends of the Mary Cotton Public Library in their efforts to raise the funds needed to complete it.”


GIVING TO THE PROJECT

Friends is partnering with the Greater Sabetha Community Foundation to participate in Give to Grow Match Day to raise much of the needed funds for the project. The matched funds available through this program are a great way to enhance your donation. Give to Grow Match Day will be Nov. 27 through Dec. 2. To learn more about this unique giving opportunity, visit www.givetogrowday.com.


Outside of Give to Grow Match Day, donations can be made anytime to the project online, by mail or in person at Mary Cotton Public Library.


To give online at any time, go to the GSCF website at www.sabethafoundation.org, click the red “Make a Donation” button and select “Friends of the Mary Cotton Public Library” fund.


For more information on Project R.E.A.D., visit www.sabethalibrary.org/projectread. To stay up-to-date on progress, follow Friends on Instagram and Facebook @FriendsMCPL.

 

ABOUT THE FRIENDS


Established in 2003 by local community members, the Friends of the Mary Cotton Public Library is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists to support the library’s overall growth and development. Friends seek to encourage literacy, lifelong learning and increase community access to information and knowledge. The organization works to enhance the library’s resources by addressing library needs, sponsoring special programs and services and assisting in the raising of funds for large projects. For more information about Friends, visit www.sabethalibrary.org/friends.

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