TapInto Greater Olean: Eldred Foundation Awards Grant to Olean Library

TOLEDO, Ohio — Thirty-five libraries located in New York State, including the Olean Public Library, have received funds from the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation’s annual library grant program, which supports rural public libraries in communities with limited resources.

The recipients were announced Tuesday in a press release issued by the foundation. 

“We are humbled to play a small part in supporting the essential work of rural libraries,” Mike Deetsch, the foundation’s executive director, said. “These libraries serve as beacons of hope and opportunity, often in areas with limited resources. By working with them, we aim to help children and families discover the joy of reading and the doors it can open.”

The grants were awarded to libraries located in rural communities at least 10 miles from urban clusters and that serve populations under 25,000 in communities where at least 18% of the population lives in poverty.

The Olean Public Library will receive $5,000, which can be used for children’s and young adult collections, programming support, equipment and supplies. 

Founded by John Henry Eldred Jr., a lifelong advocate for books and reading, the Toledo-based foundation was created to honor his late mother, Dorothy Louise Kyler, and their shared belief in the transformative power of literacy. 

Since 2012, the foundation has awarded more than $1 million in grants to rural libraries.