Farr Library receives $10K grant

The Alice M. Farr Library is one of more than 1,350 libraries across the across the country to receive $10,000 from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Library director Laurel Marlatt shared that the check was part of Carnegie Corporation’s effort to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary,
“Every Carnegie Library across the country got $10,000 this year and this gift is freely given without conditions or expectations,” Marlatt explained. “You can spend it however you choose for the benefit of your library.”
The Aurora library was originally built in 1910 as part of Andrew Carnegie’s vision to see people across the country have access to a library.
“Andrew Carnegie was the one that started a lot of libraries across the country,” Marlatt said. “He would give the money for the building if the community would buy the books. That’s what he did across the country. That’s why a lot of the libraries are Carnegie libraries.”
In 1990 the Aurora Library relocated to the its current Alice M. Farr facility with the previous location now the Faith Community Church.
Marlatt noted that the $10,000 is earmarked towards creating a makerspace. She elaborated that the library will set up the makerspace after the summer reading program. Marlatt had previously written a grant through the Library Commission for the makerspace and is expecting hear back in April.
“We’ll use this at least to get a makerspace started here, which means 3D printer, laser printer, sublimation printer, presses and supplies,” she said.
On the behalf of the library, Marlatt expressed her gratitude and thanked the Carnegie Corporation for its generous gift.