WCPL receives two grants, achievement award

Recently selected for one award and two grants, The Washington County Public Library is
being recognized for its dedication to serving the diverse literacy needs within our county.
According to the Washington County Public Library director, Renae Rountree, 240 proposals
were funded by the American Library Association, naming the library a recipient of a $20,000
Libraries Transforming Communities grant.
During the proposal process, a target audience was selected; however, library staff will
conduct community input gatherings to help identify specific needs that will provide better
accessibility to library services for those with disabilities.
“Any time we have the ability to offer a better level of service to our community, it is a
blessing,†said Rountree. “We have been grateful to have received additional grant funding
this year from a variety of sources.â€
Also awarded was a $12,000 grant from the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida.
These funds will support programs directly involving early literacy needs, such as purchasing
additional interactive books, educational games, and make-and-take crafts during library
programs.
In addition to the grant funding, the library was recognized by the National Association of
Counties.

Awarded the 2023 Achievement Award for implementing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
in Washington County, Rountree says she is “thrilled to receive the recognition for such a
great program.â€
Children ages birth to 5 years old can register to receive an age-appropriate book mailed
directly to them. There are currently more than 550 children registered.
As staff works to implement the new programs afforded by the additional funding, Rountree
encourages the community to “stay tuned for exciting things happening at the library.â€