LCRA awards $50,000 grant for new Schleicher County library
Larger facility will provide access to more resources and space for project work and meetings
MAY 1, 2024
LCRA representatives present a $50,000 grant to help the Schleicher County Public Library with its move to a new, larger building. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Cooper Hogg, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; David Doran, Eldorado Service Center president; Charlie Bradley, Schleicher County judge; Michael L. “Mike” Allen and Carol Freeman, LCRA Board members; Michele Bischoffberger, library director; Abigail Ussery and Sylvia Griffin, library board members; Jennifer Henderson, Eldorado Service Center vice president and treasurer; and Suzann McAngus, library assistant director.
The LCRA Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with more than $517,000 in matching funds from donations, Schleicher County and several foundations, will allow the library to relocate to a 5,000-square-foot space, a significant increase from its current 1,800-square-foot building.
“It’s just going to be a huge change for everyone,” said Library Director Michele Bischoffberger. “Everything is going to be brand new in the library. When they walk in the very first time, I just can’t wait to see their faces.”
The library is the sole public library in Schleicher County, a rural area of 1,311 square miles.
“When you walk in, there will be a comfy little seating area where you can have a conversation or read a book, there will be designated children’s and teen sections, meeting rooms, and the shelves and stacks will be spread out,” Bischoffberger said.
The community grant is one of 44 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund capital improvement projects in LCRA’s wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves.
LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson said he is proud LCRA can help the library in its move to the new site.
“A library is more than just a building,” Wilson said. “It’s a window to the world. It’s a place people can research school projects, investigate new ideas or learn about anything from history to sports to music. All you have to do is walk in with a question and a desire to learn.”
Wilson said a library is a vital part of a community, and he applauded the Schleicher County Public Library for expanding and investing in the future of Eldorado and its residents.
“The move will help the Schleicher County Public Library expand its resources and provide essential services and much-needed meeting spaces for classes and other events,” Wilson said. “The new site will help provide easy, free access to information, the internet and other resources that will help make a difference in the lives of many people, and I couldn’t be prouder that LCRA is able to help bring the new site closer to being a reality.”
The new library will have more room and furniture to accommodate people of all ages. The increased shelf space also will allow the library to provide additional books, reading materials and other resources. Previously, the library sometimes had to remove materials to provide space for new items.
The library will include two smaller rooms for individuals or small groups to study, research or work on school projects, and a larger meeting room with tables, tech equipment and seating for 40-70 people suitable for classes, club meetings and hiring events.
Library officials had been interested in expanding the library for several years but faced size limitations in the current building. The Eldorado Service Center opened up some space at its building to the library, providing a prime opportunity to make the move, Bischoffberger said.
The new library location is within walking distance from area Schleicher County Independent School District schools and a short drive from the Schleicher County Nursing Home, providing easier access to resources and programming opportunities for those members of the community, Bischoffberger said. As a part of the Eldorado Service Center, the library also will be easily accessible to residents visiting the center for other services. The renovations also will include Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant features.
Bischoffberger said she is seeking input from the community on potential new programs and is hoping to have the new library up and running in late 2024 or early 2025.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.
About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.
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