{"id":255319,"date":"2026-07-30T09:20:53","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T09:20:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/255319\/"},"modified":"2026-07-30T09:20:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T09:20:53","slug":"ralph-wilson-jr-foundation-awards-wny-libraries-grants-finger-lakes-daily-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/255319\/","title":{"rendered":"Ralph Wilson Jr. Foundation Awards WNY Libraries Grants \u2013 Finger Lakes Daily News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Home<\/a>
\n \u203a
\n Regional & State News<\/a>
\n \u203a
\n Ralph Wilson Jr. Foundation Awards WNY Libraries Grants<\/p>\n

\"Library <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The first-round New York recipients are:<\/p>\n

Angola Public Library, Erie County \u2014 $10,200 for additional study seating.
\nArcade Free Library, Wyoming County \u2014 $19,015 to improve indoor and outdoor spaces for young people.
\nAurora Town Public Library, Erie County \u2014 $20,000 for after-school workforce-readiness activities.
\nBarker Public Library, Niagara County \u2014 $20,000 for an after-school enrichment pilot program.
\nBoston Free Library, Erie County \u2014 $20,000 to create a native plant garden and outdoor educational space.
\nCity of Tonawanda Public Library, Erie County \u2014 $4,000 for a covered bicycle shelter and community resources.
\nCordelia A. Greene Library, Wyoming County \u2014 $25,000 for skilled-trades, financial-literacy and career-readiness workshops.
\nDavid A. Howe Public Library, Allegany County \u2014 $11,383 for a tabletop gaming room for teenagers.
\nDunkirk Public Library, Chautauqua County \u2014 $21,638 to upgrade shared community spaces.
\nElma Public Library, Erie County \u2014 $3,400 for practical homesteading programs.
\nGrand Island Memorial Library, Erie County \u2014 $33,188 to add two public study rooms.
\nHulbert Library, Erie County \u2014 $20,139 for a soundproof meeting booth.
\nLakewood Memorial Library, Chautauqua County \u2014 $7,290 for a private study pod.
\nLee-Whedon Memorial Library, Orleans County \u2014 $31,891 for an outdoor children\u2019s garden and musical garden.
\nMendon Public Library, Monroe County \u2014 $17,600 for a nature- and community-themed StoryWalk.
\nMinerva Free Library, Chautauqua County \u2014 $1,863 for child-friendly furnishings.
\nParma Public Library, Monroe County \u2014 $7,471 for a StoryWalk at Salmon Creek Nature Preserve.
\nPatterson Library, Chautauqua County \u2014 $56,817 for technology and space improvements.
\nSouthern Tier Library System, Allegany County \u2014 $80,000 to establish a sports-equipment lending program at 15 libraries.
\nTown of Collins Public Library, Erie County \u2014 $39,061 for a private work pod.
\nTown of North Collins Public Library, Erie County \u2014 $13,061 for a kayak-lending program.
\nWarsaw Public Library, Wyoming County \u2014 $5,816 for community technology programs.
\nYates Community Library, Orleans County \u2014 $27,500 for an outdoor exploration program.
\nYoungstown Free Library, Niagara County \u2014 $4,226 for technology and security improvements in public spaces.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an unprecedented investment in rural libraries in Western New York,\u201d Rochester Regional Library Council Executive Director Laura Schiefer said. \u201cThese grants provide the means for libraries to meet the needs of their communities in new and impactful ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Lucas
\n\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

About the author<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tNews Director & Sports Play-by-Play Announcer\t\t\t\t\t\u00b7\t\t\t\t\tPenn Yan, NY\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

News Director at FLX Local Media, host of “Open Mic with Lucas Day” on WFLR, and the play-by-play voice of Penn Yan and Dundee high school sports, also on WFLR.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tCovers:
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