Grant Awarded to the Portage Lake District Library
Library Redesign Project
Libraries house stories in a variety of forms, from picture books to audio books they have it all. As the world develops and changes, libraries are shifting along with societal needs to hold much more than just books. Our very own Portage Lake District Library (PLDL) is no stranger to this. PLDL has started to gather resources such as a diverse variety of community programming, access to various types of social assistance, and more opportunities for members of the community.
Prior to the start of the pandemic, the PLDL conducted a strategic planning community survey. This survey identified a need for free, open use community spaces. Spaces that are confidential and neutral, yet public, are necessary for various types of use. Currently, our area lacks spaces that are accessible, free, and public that are not only for work or academic purposes but for other types of meetings and collaboration.
Portage Lake District Library redesign project board, Houghton, MI.
Community Impact Grant Award
KCF values and supports the mission and initiatives set forth by PLDL as both as an Endowment Fund and community partner. As a Foundation, we continue to grow and find new ways to support our local organizations and partners.
In order to help meet the needs of the community, the library redesign project is being supported by the Community Impact Fund. $12,200.00 was granted to PLDL to meet the community's need for public, yet neutral and confidential spaces.
The new meeting spaces will be located within the current library on Huron Street in Houghton, MI. Three new rooms will be constructed, including: a one-on-one meeting space, an eight-person meeting space, and a 16-person meeting space. These spaces will be free, open and available for community use. Construction of the new spaces and library renovations begin in May 2023.
“Libraries are not just about books anymore,” noted library director Katrina Linde-Moriarty. Libraries are becoming hubs for social needs and community building. As society learns and grows, libraries are able to centralize resources and help to create a community where the population can explore and engage. By supporting PLDL, we help maintain a critically important resource and gathering place in the community.
PLDL director Katrina Linde-Moriarty receiving grant funding from the foundation’ s Community Impact Fund with Keweenaw Area Community Foundation’s Office and Program Manager, Sara Fletcher.
Join us in celebrating Library Week alongside the Portage lake district library as they redesign their space to provide additional community resources!
Space where the large meeting room will be constructed in 2023.
Want to learn more about the Portage Lake District Library and how you can support them?
Interested in supporting the PLDL Redesign Project? Check out Portage Lake District Library’s Redesign project webpage
Interested in supporting the Portage Like District Library Endowment Fund? Learn more at KCF’s Portage Lake District Library Fund page
Learn more about the Portage Lake District Library: PLDL Website and PLDL Facebook