USDA grant awarded for New Vineyard Library project

Patrons hope to expand the New Vineyard Library's space by adding an addition onto the back of the building and switch places with the town offices.

NEW VINEYARD – USDA Rural Development has selected the New Vineyard Library Association to receive two grants totaling $27,600.

The Association will use the funds to construct an addition onto the existing library, as well as install a new septic system and a new well, and address ADA accessibility issues. The new space will allow for additional educational and literary services and serve as a meeting space for the residents of New Vineyard, which has a population of 750.

USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel said, “These USDA Rural Development grant funds will be instrumental in ensuring this very rural community has access to the valuable resource of a library that is equipped to meet their needs. I congratulate them on securing funding for their new space and hope they enjoy the library for many generations to come.”

New Vineyard Library Association, Inc. Treasurer Bruce Turcotte said, “The expansion will allow our town to be more centered as a community and increase our existing programs and add much-needed programs that our citizens have requested.  In addition to adding a pleasant area for our patrons, we will bring drinkable water into the building and add a septic system.”

USDA Rural Development in Maine recognizes the importance of funding rural libraries, having invested over $2.6 million through the Community Facilities Program to assist 13 rural libraries and $433,436 through a Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant which assisted 15 libraries in linking to each other for increased educational opportunities.

USDA Rural Development has Area Offices located in Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston, and Scarborough, as well as a State Office, located in Bangor. There are 69 employees working to deliver the agency’s Housing, Business, and Community Programs, which are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, and farmers, and improve the quality of life in rural Maine. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/me.