Carlow Mayo Public Library Secures $20,000 Grant for Tech Upgrades

The Carlow Mayo Public Library in Hermon has received a significant boost in funding with a newly awarded grant of $20,000 from The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Company. This funding, part of the Learning and Engagement Accelerator Fund, is aimed at enhancing technology and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) resources for children within the community.

Carrie McKenzie, the library’s CEO and head librarian, expressed her excitement regarding the funding in an interview with Bancroft This Week. The library celebrated this achievement on December 13, 2023, despite inclement weather, with board members, staff, volunteers, and attendees of the kids’ club gathering to acknowledge the grant’s impact.

“I learned about the LEAF grant through our library CEO listserv, where other libraries shared their success stories,” McKenzie stated. “I am still in shock that the Carlow Mayo Public Library was one of 17 projects selected from 216 applications. This funding is a transformative opportunity for our library.”

Enhancements to the library will include upgrading existing computers, purchasing Chromebooks for the early literacy program, and incorporating STEM kits into the kids’ club program. McKenzie mentioned exploring various options for these kits, including circuit kits, Lego sets, and coding robots. The initiative aims to foster digital literacy and community connection through technology.

In a press release dated December 15, 2023, McKenzie highlighted the importance of the Tech Connect program, stating, “In an area with limited internet and cell service, this project ensures equitable access to technology for everyone. The community’s support for our application validated our commitment to providing access to information that inspires, informs, and entertains.”

The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group, which has been operational for over 100 years, emphasizes its mission to support communities by ensuring that members have a voice in shaping services. The LEAF initiative, which administered this grant, allocated $400,000 in funding for community projects in 2025, reflecting its ongoing growth and impact. In 2023, funding requests reached an unprecedented $6.96 million, according to Tim Shauf, president of The Commonwell.

“The projects we support represent real action behind our commitment to building stronger communities,” Shauf noted. The LEAF initiative aims to cultivate community resilience through program development and resource upgrades, having already supported 71 community projects.

Local officials also expressed their pride in the library’s achievement. Jenny Snider, the Carlow Mayo CAO, commended the library staff and board for their dedication. “The proceeds from this grant will significantly benefit both the library and the community,” she remarked.

Mayor Randy Wallace echoed this sentiment, stating his support for the library’s initiatives. “Our municipality is proud to support the library, and I encourage them to reach out if they need assistance,” he said.

The gathering on December 13 brought together community members to celebrate this milestone. “This grant has warmed my heart once again at how supportive our community is,” McKenzie reflected. The enthusiastic responses from the community underscore the library’s vital role in fostering local engagement and learning.

As the Carlow Mayo Public Library embarks on this new chapter with enhanced resources, it aims to solidify its position as a cornerstone of community learning and digital accessibility.