MANTON — The Friends of the Manton Public Library received two grants from the Cadillac Area Community Foundation and another from the Consumers Energy Foundation supporting the $650,000 cost of constructing a new library.
According to a Jan. 7 news release, a $10,000 grant came from the Cadillac Area Community Foundation Community Grant Program and a $15,000 grant came from the Consumers.
The grants will be applied towards the remaining $50,000 needed to complete the cost of building a new Library.
“I was thrilled to learn that the Board of Directors has chosen to award this grant to help the community of Manton fund a new home for the Manton Public Library,” Cadillac Area Community Foundation Executive Director Doreen Lanc said.
The new facility is being built at 603 State St., the site of the former VFW Post in Manton.
When completed, the new Manton Library will cover 3,150 square feet and will serve not only as a library but also include:
- A children’s area; 2 private tutoring rooms
- A community meeting room
- A teen computer study area
- Public computers with Wi-Fi and Internet
- Public restrooms
- A larger parking area.
- The “Manton Room” will house historical information about the area including records necessary for genealogy research.
This is the second time that CACF has awarded a $10,000 grant, the first being in 2019 to help kick off the original fundraising. Consumers Energy Foundation Community Grant program also awarded $5,000 for the initial fundraising.
“Thanks to these two grants combined with other grants from FAFCU and Cadillac Rotary as well as personal donations, we have reached our goal of $650,000,″ Friends of Manton Public Library President Linda Kimbel said.
The Friends of the Manton Library Board consists of Manton residents with a passion for their community. Current members include Garry Brown, Mike Moffit, Linda & Gordon Kimbel, Jerry & Jane Sinkel, and Jerrilyn Matthews.
“The relationship between the Cadillac Wexford Public Library and the Manton Public Library is critical to its operation,” Kimbel said. “While the City of Manton owns the land and the building, and is responsible for upkeep and maintenance, the Cadillac Wexford Public Library provides the materials, staff, and infrastructure for its location in Manton.”