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Ralph Wilson Jr. Foundation Awards WNY Libraries Grants
Twenty-four public libraries and library systems across Western New York will share more than $500,000 through a new grant program supporting rural communities.
The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation launched the Rural Library Grants Program as a three-year initiative running through 2028. Western New York will receive $1.5 million during that period, with approximately $500,000 distributed annually.
The first-round New York recipients are:
Angola Public Library, Erie County — $10,200 for additional study seating.
Arcade Free Library, Wyoming County — $19,015 to improve indoor and outdoor spaces for young people.
Aurora Town Public Library, Erie County — $20,000 for after-school workforce-readiness activities.
Barker Public Library, Niagara County — $20,000 for an after-school enrichment pilot program.
Boston Free Library, Erie County — $20,000 to create a native plant garden and outdoor educational space.
City of Tonawanda Public Library, Erie County — $4,000 for a covered bicycle shelter and community resources.
Cordelia A. Greene Library, Wyoming County — $25,000 for skilled-trades, financial-literacy and career-readiness workshops.
David A. Howe Public Library, Allegany County — $11,383 for a tabletop gaming room for teenagers.
Dunkirk Public Library, Chautauqua County — $21,638 to upgrade shared community spaces.
Elma Public Library, Erie County — $3,400 for practical homesteading programs.
Grand Island Memorial Library, Erie County — $33,188 to add two public study rooms.
Hulbert Library, Erie County — $20,139 for a soundproof meeting booth.
Lakewood Memorial Library, Chautauqua County — $7,290 for a private study pod.
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, Orleans County — $31,891 for an outdoor children’s garden and musical garden.
Mendon Public Library, Monroe County — $17,600 for a nature- and community-themed StoryWalk.
Minerva Free Library, Chautauqua County — $1,863 for child-friendly furnishings.
Parma Public Library, Monroe County — $7,471 for a StoryWalk at Salmon Creek Nature Preserve.
Patterson Library, Chautauqua County — $56,817 for technology and space improvements.
Southern Tier Library System, Allegany County — $80,000 to establish a sports-equipment lending program at 15 libraries.
Town of Collins Public Library, Erie County — $39,061 for a private work pod.
Town of North Collins Public Library, Erie County — $13,061 for a kayak-lending program.
Warsaw Public Library, Wyoming County — $5,816 for community technology programs.
Yates Community Library, Orleans County — $27,500 for an outdoor exploration program.
Youngstown Free Library, Niagara County — $4,226 for technology and security improvements in public spaces.
The grants are intended to help rural libraries expand their roles as community hubs where residents can access technology, attend programs, build skills and connect with services.
The Rochester Regional Library Council and Western New York Library Resources Council are administering the program in New York. Recipients were chosen through a competitive application process.
“This is an unprecedented investment in rural libraries in Western New York,” Rochester Regional Library Council Executive Director Laura Schiefer said. “These grants provide the means for libraries to meet the needs of their communities in new and impactful ways.”
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