During Tuesday morning’s meeting, the Caldwell County Fiscal Court accepted a $750,000 grant on behalf of the George Coon Public Library for its expansion project.
Judge-Executive Kota Young mentioned that the Community Development Block Grant project will expand the local library, originally built in 1969, to twice its current size.
click to download audioLibrary Director Nichelle Faughn attended the meeting and expressed her gratitude for the support from both fiscal court and the community for the local library.
Young mentioned that they have already applied for another grant of the same and will be seeking the community’s support in the future.
click to download audioAccording to Young, the library’s patrons played a significant role in helping to secure the grant.
District 3 Magistrate Brent Stallins expressed his amazement upon learning how many patrons utilize the George Coon Public Library.
click to download audioDistrict 4 Magistrate Jeff Simms feels it’s one of the top libraries in the state.
Judge Young also gave a special shout-out to Jared Nelson, while Simms acknowledged the contributions of Kathy Svoboda with the Friends of the George Coon Public Library.
No action was required by magistrates.
As first reported by WPKY’s News Edge, Governor Andy Beshear announced on June 13 the funding is from Kentucky’s Community Development Block Grant – Community Projects (CDBG-CP) program administered by Kentucky’s Department for Local Government. He noted the funding was to construct a new multipurpose learning and performance center at the rear of the library. This new addition will include a large meeting area with partitions to accommodate multiple events simultaneously. It will also feature a computer lab and an auditorium with theater-style seating.
The Fiscal Court also addressed some housekeeping items. Magistrates approved the annual interlocal agreement with the Princeton and Caldwell fire departments and granted the Caldwell County Conservation District’s funding request for Fiscal Year 2025 in the amount of $50,000, which is included in the budget approved by magistrates this month.
