Pittsburgh, Pa. − October 10, 2024 − Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) and Reps. Emily Kinkead (D-20) Arvind Venkat (D-30) announced that Northland Public Library will receive a $650,000 Multipurpose Community Facilities Program grant. Northland is currently undergoing a major renovation project to upgrade their entire facility and improve accessibility for all patrons while adding much needed space for work, study, and gathering.
“Northland Public Library is a cherished community center where people of all ages come to read, study, and gather,” said Senator Williams. “This funding will help ensure that the next generation of library users has the space they need to explore new subjects, meet new friends, and learn things we couldn’t even imagine today. I’m incredibly proud to partner with the Library, Rep. Kinkead, and Rep. Venkat to bring this ‘New Northland’ to life.”
“The Northland Public Library is a treasure in our community,” said Rep. Venkat. “I am thankful to the PA Broadband Authority for awarding a $650,000 grant for this renovation and grateful to work with Senator Williams, Rep. Kinkead, and bipartisan colleagues to advocate for these funds.”
“I’m so happy my colleagues and I were able to secure this state funding to help with the renovations at Northland,” said Rep. Emily Kinkead. “When we invest in libraries, we’re expanding access to greater knowledge and opportunities for children, families, and all learning minds. It’s an investment in our future and the return is immeasurable.”
Amy Steele, Executive Director of Northand Public Library said, “We are thrilled and so thankful that through Senator Williams’, Representative Kinkead’s, and Representative Venkat’s support and advocacy Northland has been awarded a Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program grant! The grant will help fund a current construction and renovation project aimed at increasing accessibility and expanding the footprint of the library building to meet the growing needs of the communities we serve. With the support of this grant, Northland is positioned to enhance our capacity as a ‘third place’ and positively impact the lives of our patrons and neighbors.”
The Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program (MPCFP) is funded by the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. A total of $45 million in grant funds were awarded to community anchor institutions for projects that will construct, acquire, or improve facilities that will be open to the public and will directly enable work, education, and health monitoring.
Additional information about the MPCFP grants can be found here. A full list of this year’s recipients can be found here.
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