LCRA awards $50,000 grant to Friends of the Palacios Library

Renovations will enable library to expand programs, welcome more visitors

Oct. 25, 2023

Lower Colorado River Authority representatives present a $50,000 grant to Friends of the Palacios Library for upgrades to the library. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are: Miss Murphy and Jennifer Rausch, Friends of the Palacios Library volunteers; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board member; Diane Cartwright, organization president; Ana Maria Zamora, assistant librarian; and Kate Ramzinski, LCRA Regional Affairs representative. Pictured in the back row, from left to right, are: Larry Rausch, organization volunteer; Vikijane Mosier, head librarian; Dale Behnke, library board president; Stephen F. Cooper, LCRA Board member; Bobby Seiferman, Matagorda County judge; DC Dunham, organization volunteer and Palacios Economic Development Corporation board president; Catie Johnston, renovation project manager; and Melanie Dailey, library board member.

PALACIOS, Texas – A $50,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority will enable the Palacios library to add new mobile shelving and make numerous other upgrades. The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $25,000 in matching funds from Friends of the Palacios Library, will help create a more welcoming, modern environment and allow the library to expand its programming for both children and adults. The renovations are designed to welcome visitors and foster learning, collaboration and creativity, as well as provide a welcoming space for people to access essential resources. “The library was constructed in 1967, and prior upgrades have concentrated on mechanical systems and roofing,” said Diane Cartwright, president of the Friends of the Palacios Library, a nonprofit organization that provides financial and volunteer support to the library. “These interior upgrades, along with the addition of a 2,100-square-foot annex, will modernize our library and provide for all users.” The new additions will include shelving, book bins and brightly colored chairs and tables for children. The library also is planning to develop an ocean-themed space where books can be read to young children in a fun, interactive way. “Since we are located close to Matagorda Bay, we figured we would use the bay theme to our advantage,” Cartwright said. “We help kids during their most formative years, so we want them to have an exciting space where they can engage, learn and grow.” In addition to upgrades to the children’s space, the library also will create a cozy, more modern spot for adults to gather. “This grant will allow us to put the finishing touches on our project and expand the programs we offer to kids and adults,” Cartwright said. “This entire project has been volunteer-driven, and we’re glad the library will soon be able to serve anyone and everyone in the area.” LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson said he admires the efforts of the volunteers who have been working hard on the project. “Libraries are more than places to read,” Wilson said. “They’re a place to learn about your community and about your world, and to explore new things. A thriving library system welcomes people of all ages to gather and share ideas.” He said LCRA is proud to support the upgrades planned for the Palacios Library. “Welcoming children to libraries is especially important, as it helps young people expand their horizons and hopefully develop a lifelong interest in learning,” he said. “We’re proud to join a project that will help support the library and help provide a strong foundation for generations to come.” Once the renovation and expansion project are complete, the Palacios Library will be open six days a week. The community grant is one of 45 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. 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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