Grant to help Smith Hill upgrades

Providence Community Library

PROVIDENCE – A $50,000 grant to the Providence Community Library will support upgrades to the historic Smith Hill Library building.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Terrence M. Hassett, a councilor in Ward 12, has announced the community development block grant, which is part of the Ward 12 Neighborhood Investment Strategy.
The Smith Hill Library, one of nine city libraries, was built in 1932 and is listed on the National Register for Historic Places.
The funds, when combined with a separate $205,000 block grant award for facilities improvements from the city, will ensure that the library will be able to refurbish the windows, complete the installation of air conditioning, and upgrade the heating system at Smith Hill.
Work on the air conditioning system will be completed by the summer, Hassett said.
“During a typical summer season, the library has been forced to close for numerous days due to extreme heat,” said Hassett. “This summer, the neighborhood will be able to look to Smith Hill Library not only as a source of great services and programs, but also as a much needed place to cool off.”
Over the last two years, thanks to $825,000 from the Champlin Foundation and block grants from the city, the building has undergone major renovations to its roof and walls, as well as additional building work to make it accessible to disabled visitors.
Laura Marlane, the Providence Community Library’s executive director, said the upgrades will lead to a “year-round boost” for the facility and the neighborhood.

No posts to display