The Richland County Public Library has received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The grant covers a substantial portion of the planned $1.1 million renovation and expansion of the Eastover Branch, which was originally opened in 1985. Specifics include:

• Doubling the space for the children’s collection and increasing the space for children’s programs to encourage children to read at an earlier age.
• The addition of a meeting room for programs and use by community groups, creating a gathering place for all residents.
• Additional computers that will allow for more free classes and training opportunities for finding jobs and improving computer literacy skills.
• Expanded operating hours from 32 to 62 hours per week.
• The addition of an area that promotes the rich history of Eastover, preserving the heritage of the community and instilling pride in residents of all ages.

Since the Eastover Branch opened, circulation of materials has increased from more than 12,700 to nearly 19,500 last year. More than 15,300 people visited the Eastover Branch last year.

The project is expected to begin in March 2011 and be completed by the end of the year, and it will incorporate green building practices.

“Now more than ever, the people of Eastover need and deserve a first-class library,” said Melanie Huggins, RCPL’s Executive Director. “Now with support from the USDA—matched by that of Richland County—they will get one.”

RCPL and the City of Denmark are the two South Carolina recipients for the Recovery Act support, an effort that awarded funds to 129 rural communities in 30 states.

“Libraries are the centerpiece of rural community life, but in many cases they need additional funding to provide rural residents with computer access, modern equipment and new training and educational opportunities,” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “These Recovery Act investments in our nation’s libraries will serve rural America for generations to come.”

The $15 million in Recovery Act funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program. It will be combined with $10.2 million from other sources. Funding of each loan and grant is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the agreement. For a complete list of projects, visit http://www.usda.gov/documents/Library_Projects.pdf.  Altogether, 190 libraries across the country have benefited from Recovery Act funding.

About the Richland County Public Library
Last year, the Richland County Public Library attracted 2.2 million visitors to its 11 locations, and circulation was more than 3.7 million. A former National Library of the Year, RCPL has also received state and national attention for its special services, including a Literary Residency program and its significant contributions to the arts and humanities in South Carolina.

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The mission of the Richland County Public Library is to provide experiences that Inspire, Inform and Entertain.