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Reference & Information line: 704-INFO (360-704-4636) in Olympia area or toll-free 1-800-562-6022.
TRL Web site: http://www.trlib.org

New Funding Will Make South Bend Library Accessible to All

The City of South Bend recently was awarded a $49,000 grant from the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Office in Olympia, WA. Added to locally raised funds, this grant will allow the construction of an elevator lift in the 1913 historic South Bend Timberland Library, and provide restrooms for patrons with disabilities. "This project will open up the library to those who have been unable to walk up the steps to the library’s only entrance" says Mayor Karl Heinicke, "and it is long overdue."

Congressman Brian Baird, a strong advocate for life-long education has congratulated the City and its partnership with the Timberland Regional Library on obtaining this successful grant. Baird says "It is important that the learning activities and treasures of the Timberland Regional Library are made available to all. This funding is wonderful news because it will enable everyone to access all the library has to offer."

South Bend’s Community Library Supervisor, Joanne Rucker, points out that residents with disabilities or limited mobility must rely on others to obtain library materials or do without. "They miss out on opportunities to attend educational programs, and to access reference materials or the Internet" says Joanne. "Not far from the Library is an assisted-living facility for seniors. Many of these residents have never been inside the library, but that will now change."

"I was a junior in high school the last time I was able to get into our local library," states Kari Ginther. Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at age 9, Kari, who is an avid reader, was not able to access her beloved library because she was in a wheel chair full time. She used to love to peruse through the books and interact with the people inside the library and she looks forward to the day she will able to again.

"Friends of the South Bend Library deserve credit for their own fundraising efforts and determination to see this project come to fruition" comments Jodi Reng, Timberland Regional Library (TRL) Director. Library Friends groups working with the TRL Foundation to raise needed additional funds for library improvements and programs has proven to be a very successful model. Timberland Regional Library consists of 27 libraries throughout Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties. The Timberland Regional Library District has allocated $35,000 to this project, and South Bend’s Friends of the Library have raised $15,000.

According to Michael Wessells, Timberland Regional Library Manager, project construction is expected to begin in early September and end in December. A local architecture firm, Kabush and Stoppiello, was chosen to complete the project. Construction bids are being prepared now.

"USDA is committed to the success of all rural communities by helping provide vital community facilities - schools, hospitals, libraries, fire stations, day care centers, and other important amenities - in underserved rural areas," said Debbie Harper, USDA Rural Development Community Programs Specialist. "These investments directly enhance the quality of life of rural residents while making rural communities more attractive for potential business investors."

Timberland Regional Library serves the information, reading and lifelong learning needs of the Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston county public at 27 community libraries and 4 school-based cooperative library centers. The library system is funded by local property taxes. For information on any subject, the public can telephone Timberland’s Central Reference Service librarians at 704-INFO (704-4636) in the Olympia area or 1-800-562-6022, toll-free, from all other areas. Or they can "Ask a Librarian" online at www.trlib.org. Anyone needing special accommodations to participate in a library’s program may contact the library 4 days in advance.

Revised 07/20/05