The Shoals community in Indiana is en route to achieving more equitable access to its local public library, courtesy of a new crowdfunding campaign aiming to hit the $50,000 target by Valentine's Day of 2025. The Shoals Public Library is spearheading the initiative to upgrade its facilities with funds that will be matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) under its CreatINg Places program, should they reach their goal.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, who also serves as Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, expressed excitement about the library’s future potential. "We're thrilled to see this vision for the Shoals Public Library coming to life," she said, with the library poised to reach residents of all ages and abilities, according to a statement obtained by the Indiana State Government website. The projected enhancements include an elevator installation and restroom renovations to ensure full accessibility.
Sylvia Albaugh, the Director of the Shoals Public Library, stressed the significant role the library plays within the community and her anticipation of expanding these services. "The Shoals Public Library is a great local asset and we’re excited to expand the space to increase our services to our community,” Albaugh told the event's website. She also highlighted the importance of community support in leveraging the IHCDA’s matching offer to bring this accessibility project to fruition.
Since its inception in 2016, the CreatINg Places program has been instrumental in nurturing community development across Indiana. Eligible for application by non-profit entities and local units of government, the program has matched upwards of $9.8 million in funds for projects that have collectively raised over $11.4 million. The IHCDA program boasts of aligning public generosity with state support to empower communities, promising a $5,000 match for every $5,000 garnered by participants, up to a maximum of $50,000 per project, as detailed on the event's web page.
