Easton receives library grant
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
EASTON — Accessing library information will be easier in the future, thanks to an STK Foundation grant for $25,000 the Easton School Department recently received.
“We applied for and got $25,000 to automate the high school/elementary school libraries,” said Superintendent Frank Keenan.
Keenan said the money will be used to automate the library system and possibly buy other items needed.
“We’re hoping to automate each, which will allow us to set up the library to let people access from home, as well as provide the ability to access other libraries. We’ll also use some of the money to purchase books,” said Keenan.
He said the goal is to stimulate more use by making the facility “more user friendly.”
“We want to expand beyond what we already have,” Keenan said, noting up until now library users weren’t able to access the state library. The update will change that. “Basically we’ve been manually taking care of library requests. Going automated will make service more efficient and easier for patrons.”
Keenan expressed pleasure at getting such good news.
“I’m very pleased they (Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation) accepted our grant application and chose to help us. Given today’s economy, we wouldn’t be able to do this (automate) otherwise,” said Keenan.
The libraries serves more than just students, according to Keenan.
“Easton’s school libraries also serve as the public library. We don’t have a public library, so the community relies on the school libraries for a variety of needs,” Keenan explained.
The superintendent was notified earlier this year that the application submitted last December had been approved.
“We’re fortunate to receive the funding, for the good of the people — not just the students — of Easton. The STK Foundation is there to help — provides funding opportunities for so many,” said Keenan. “We really appreciate what the Foundation has done for us.”
The STK Foundation was created in 1986 to provide support for Maine communities, with an interest in projects that address the underlying causes of social and environmental problems, as well as those that address the consequences — with a strong focus on literacy, community services and the arts. As community builders, the Foundation is particularly interested in organizations and projects that will affect or serve the most members of the community.
The next grant application deadline is June 30.
For more information, visit www.stkfoundation.org or call 990-2910.
