Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Invests $3 Million to Strengthen Rural Libraries across Southeast Michigan and Western New York

New three-year grant program helps libraries expand community spaces, technology and learning opportunities

DETROIT, MI AND BUFFALO, NY – (July 27, 2026) – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is deepening its commitment to improving quality of life in the rural communities it serves across Southeast Michigan and Western New York with the launch of its new program to support rural public libraries.

With an investment of $3 million, the Foundation is launching the Rural Library Grants Program, a three-year initiative (2026–2028) designed to strengthen rural public libraries and library systems as vital community hubs. Each region will receive $1.5 million over the three-year period, distributed as approximately $500,000 annually. The inaugural year of funding is going to more than 30 libraries across both regions. Through the program, libraries were invited to propose projects that respond to needs identified by their communities while aligning with the Foundation’s focus areas.

The grant program recognizes that rural libraries often serve as one of the few free, accessible public spaces where residents of different ages and backgrounds can learn, gather, access technology and connect with services close to home.

The grants help rural libraries in Southeast Michigan and Western New York improve the spaces and services residents use every day, including outdoor learning and gathering areas, youth and teen programming, career exploration and much more. In practice, that means libraries are adding things like gardens and outdoor classrooms, dedicated teen spaces, private study rooms and work pods, makerspaces and technology upgrades, as well as programs that help residents build skills and spaces that support local nonprofits.

“In many rural communities, libraries have built upon their role as hubs for learning, growing into trusted and dynamic spaces where residents can connect with resources, ideas and one another,” said Maura Dewan, Vice President of Programs and Corporate Affairs, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “We are proud to support library-led projects that reflect the aspirations and opportunities of the local communities they serve and the people they know best.”

The Library Network (TLN), in partnership with Woodlands Library Cooperative and Suburban Library Cooperative, is managing the grant program for rural public libraries and library systems in Southeast Michigan. In Western New York, the Western New York Library Resources Council (WNYLRC) and Rochester Regional Library Council (RRLC) are managing the program on behalf of the Foundation. Both regional programs are tied to the Foundation’s broader commitment to rural communities.

Grantees in each region were selected through a competitive process administered by local partner organizations with deep knowledge of rural libraries and community needs. The grantees reflect a diverse mix of geographic communities and project types across both regions.

2026 Rural Library Grant Recipients

Southeast Michigan

• Addison Township Public Library (Oakland County), $86,950 to create an outdoor learning and gathering space featuring sensory gardens, flexible outdoor seating with an awning and projector, and accessible spaces for reading, socializing and community programs.
• Brandon Township Public Library (Oakland County), $62,000 to support the installation of a 300-foot StoryWalk trail along the south side of the library property.
• Brighton District Library (Livingston County), $71,500 to conduct an environmental review and feasibility analysis to evaluate the viability of constructing a trail and boardwalk to connect the library property to the Charles and Albert Parker Families Nature Preserve.
• Ellis Library and Reference Center (Monroe County), $73,800 to purchase 26 outdoor musical instruments that will be permanently installed on the grounds at six rural library locations throughout Monroe County.
• Fowlerville District Library (Livingston County), $151,000 to transform an undeveloped 1,024-square-foot storage area of the library into a dedicated Teen Center.
• Lyon Township Public Library (Oakland County), $25,300 to outfit a new Makerspace by purchasing makerspace equipment as well as cabinetry and containers to secure equipment and materials.
• Milan Public Library (Monroe County), $25,300 to create a modified space configuration plan to better support early literacy and after school engagement, space and programming for children and teens.
• Orion Township Public Library (Oakland County), $16,650 to update an existing trail and install a StoryWalk by Fall 2026 on its wooded property to promote literacy and outdoor activity engaging families, encouraging early literacy and connecting the community with nature.

Western New York

• Angola Public Library (Erie County), $10,200 to increase study seating for students, teachers and community members.
• Arcade Free Library (Wyoming County), $19,015 to increase the flexibility of indoor and outdoor spaces to better engage youth and promote learning, collaborating and play.
• Aurora Town Public Library (Erie County), $20,000 for afterschool activities that prepare youth for current and emerging workforce needs.
• Barker Public Library (Niagara County), $20,000 for an afterschool enrichment pilot program.
• Boston Free Library (Erie County), $20,000 for the creation of a native plant garden and outdoor educational space to increase hands on learning.
• City of Tonawanda Public Library (Erie County), $4,000 for a covered bicycle shelter and related community resources.
• Cordelia A. Greene Library (Wyoming County), $25,000 for workshops for young adults in skilled trades, financial literacy and career readiness.
• David A. Howe Public Library (Allegany County), $11,383 for a dedicated tabletop game room at the library for teens.
• Dunkirk Public Library (Chautauqua County), $21,638 for upgrades to shared community spaces.
• Elma Public Library (Erie County), $3,400 for programs focused on practical homesteading skills.
• Grand Island Memorial Library (Erie County), $33,188 for the addition of two study rooms for public use.
• Hulbert Library (Erie County), $20,139 for a soundproof, private booth for use as a meeting space by community members and organizations.
• Lakewood Memorial Library (Chautauqua County), $7,290 for a single person soundproof, private study pod.
• Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Orleans County), $31,891 for an outdoor children’s garden and musical garden.
• Mendon Public Library (Monroe County), $17,600 for a Story Walk centered on themes of nature, movement, family and community.
• Minerva Free Library (Chautauqua County), $1,863 for support to purchase child-friendly furnishings to encourage young children to engage in hands-on learning activities.
• Parma Public Library (Monroe County), $7,471 for a library Story Walk at Salmon Creek Nature Preserve.
• Patterson Library (Chautauqua County), $56,817 for key technology and space upgrades to allow for increased community access, especially for working families and caregivers.
• Southern Tier Library System (Allegany County), $80,000 for 15 libraries across Allegany County to activate a sports equipment lending program for residents.
• Town of Collins Public Library (Erie County), $39,061 for a soundproof, private Work Pod for use by students, tutors or community organizations.
• Town of North Collins Public Library (Erie County), $13,061 for a library kayak lending program.
• Warsaw Public Library (Wyoming County), $5,816 for support of technology programs for the community.
• Yates Community Library (Orleans County), $27,500 for supplies for a community outdoor explorers’ program.
• Youngstown Free Library (Niagara County), $4,226 for upgrades to public spaces with better technology and security for residents.

“The Library Network is proud to partner with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and help provide funding to libraries with the Rural Library Grant Program,” said Steven K. Bowers, Executive Director, The Library Network. “Michigan’s rural libraries provide meaningful services to their communities and with these awards, they can do even more.”

“This is an unprecedented investment in rural libraries in Western New York,” said Laura Schiefer, Executive Director, Rochester Regional Library Council. “These grants provide the means for libraries to meet the needs of their communities in new and impactful ways. We are thrilled to be part of this program and thank the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation for their vision and generosity.”

Through the second half of its 20-year spend down, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation will continue to invest in rural communities as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening rural philanthropic leadership across both regions.

ABOUT THE RALPH C. WILSON, JR. FOUNDATION

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect the devotion of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his beloved Buffalo Bills NFL team. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson provided that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation began with a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable, and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information visit www.rcwjrf.org.

ABOUT THE LIBRARY NETWORK

The Library Network (TLN) is a public library cooperative serving member libraries in southeast Michigan as well as other libraries throughout the state. Through library cooperatives the Michigan State Legislature is empowered to equitably distribute state aid to libraries to maximize the impact of shared funding for services to Michigan residents and visitors. The mission of TLN is “To create a vibrant, collaborative partnership among our libraries, driving access to shared services and resources.” The Library Network is “Libraries Working Together.”

ABOUT THE Rochester Regional Library Council and Western New York Library Resources Council

The Rochester Regional Library Council (RRLC) and Western New York Library Resources Council (WNYLRC) are multi-type library networks serving libraries, library systems, and cultural organizations in Western New York. The councils were chartered by the New York State Board of Regents in 1966. The State created the regional councils to expand the availability of the resources and strengthen programs and services for all types of libraries. RRLC and WNYLRC have decades of experience awarding grants to member organizations, and are working together to administer the WNY Rural Library Grant Program powered by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.