Updated September 27 at 5:27pm
Press Release

Willett Free Library Receives $200,000

Posted:

For Immediate Release

Contact Ellie Ferguson at 401-294-5568

Willett Free Library Receives $200,000 Grant from The Champlin Foundations

Saunderstown, Rhode Island - The Willett Free Library (WFL) received a $200,000 grant from The Champlin

Foundations for renovation and expansion of its historic Saunderstown building. The Library was designed

in 1903 by renowned architect Christopher Grant LaFarge, as a favor to his mother, a resident of

Saunderstown and has not been renovated since 1947.

The Willett Free Library has over 6,000 visitors a year, a 12,000 volume collection and is the oldest public

library in North Kingstown. It has an extensive collection of local historical materials, including taped

interviews with several residents and boasts a strong public program series including over-subscribed

offerings for children. WFL, the smallest library in RI, is a net lender of materials to other libraries in the

state - reflecting its lively, well-managed collection.

Renovations are expected to approach $450,000 and will address the building’s shortcomings by bringing

electrical, plumbing, security/fire and HVAC systems up to code, replacing the roof and exterior clapboards,

restoring the windows, chimney and original stone foundation, and making the entire facility handicap

accessible. A modest addition will provide much needed gathering space for the library’s expanding program

schedule, and enlarge the main reading room.

WFL is grateful to The Champlin Foundations for its leadership support of this strong community institution

that contributes greatly as a small town anchor and offers meeting space, public programs and promotes

literacy and education among its patrons. The generosity of The Champlin Foundations reinforces 10 years

of fundraising from Willett Library friends and patrons. The Willett has been providing public library services

continuously for 108 years.

Further information and details about the Library visit www.willettfree.org.

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