Library Receives $10,000 National Grant

May 19, 2025

Woodward Public Library Receives National Grant for Small and Rural Libraries

$10,000 Grant Will Help the Library Work with Residents with Disabilities to Increase Accessibility 

Woodward, OK — The Woodward Public Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries to participate in round three of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.

The competitive award comes with a $10,000 grant that will help the library address building accessibility issues and replace Community Room furniture to improve accessibility and increase the participation of library users with mobility disabilities. The library serves as a cornerstone of community engagement, and this grant will directly address the urgent need to remove physical barriers that limit participation in library events and facility accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

“We are thrilled to be selected once again,” commented Library Director Connie Terry. “This grant empowers us to continue our mission of breaking down barriers. We will use this funding to acquire accessible furniture and improve our building, making the library truly accessible for everyone.”

As part of the grant, the library will host a conversation with residents about the library’s accessibility and the grant project plans to improve the library facility and furniture. The Community Conversation is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, at 4:00 PM at the Woodward Public Library, located at 1500 Main Street. This event is open to everyone. Participants are asked to register for the event as food and beverages will be provided. Participants will also have the chance to enter a drawing for gift cards. If you are unable to attend the event in person, an alternative conversation method will be offered. 

If you are interested in taking part in the conversation or have questions, please contact Andrea Davis at adavis@woodward.lib.ok.us or 580-254-8544.

Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.

“Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL).”

The Woodward Public Library is a cornerstone of the Woodward community, providing vital resources and programs for people of all ages. Committed to lifelong learning, the library offers a wide selection of books, audiobooks, eBooks, and other digital resources. The library also hosts a variety of programs, events, and activities for children, teens, and adults. The Woodward Public Library is dedicated to fostering a love of reading, promoting literacy, and providing access to information for all.

Press Release