Walton Library begins planning how to use $10,000 grant

Josh Flynn, Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, Ind.
·2 min read

Apr. 10—The Walton Tipton Township Public Library, 110 N. Main St., met Tuesday afternoon to begin deciding on how to utilize a $10,000 Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant.

Library Director Kristi Hileman applied for the grant to help the library better reach out to those in the community with autism.

The grant, provided by the American Library Association, allows for community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.

During the meeting, those in attendance discussed buying items like noise canceling headphones, light diffusers, sensory items and different types of furniture — including indoor swings—that could be used to build a sensory room within the library.

"Even though $10,000 seems like a lot of money, when you look at the prices of some of the items you can purchase or some of the items geared towards autism, it's not a lot of money," Hileman said.

While the grant was written for autism resources, she said that since it was a private grant, money could be directed to other areas of the library. However, those in attendance wanted to continue to focus on autism.

The group also discussed where they might find space within the library to create a sensory room.

Hileman said that if needed the library could use bonds to construct a new room, but construction projects would have to be decided by the library board.

The Walton Tipton Township Public Library was one of six Indiana libraries to receive funding. Nationwide, 310 libraries were awarded a grant.

A task force committee has been formed to come up with ideas for the money, with Paulette Sipe and Kathy Naphew serving as co-vice chairperson. Hilman will chair the committee.

The grant money could also be applied toward bringing in a counselor or therapist to hold onsite autism support meetings.

All funds must be used by March 31, 2025.

The next meeting will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 18.

Hileman said those who can't attend the meeting may share feedback and ideas by calling the library at 574-626-2234 or emailing to waltonlibrary@walton.lib.in.us.

"The grant is just to let people know that we are here for our community," she said. "We want to support the community. That's our goal, to help the community in any aspect that we can make happen."