Gillett Library receives Community Square grant

The Gillett Public Library received a grant for thinking “outside the box.” The library will partner with Redbox, the Project for Public Spaces and Online Computer Library Center to revitalize the new Community Square to create a public space for community events. This square will be located in the area between the library building and the BMO Bank building, which the library purchased earlier this year for use as a community center. The library will receive $5,000 and will benefit from the professional consultation of the Project for Public Spaces staff. The Gillett Library was chosen for the program through a competitive application process based on key characteristics such as geographic and ethnic diversity, local leadership, and innovative ideas for events and community activities. The library was one of 22 libraries or library systems in the U.S. that received grants. Through the Outside the Box program, the library and the city of Gillett will plan and create a Community Center open house to be held this summer or early fall. Through the grant, the community will receive consultation and support from OCLC and Project for Public Spaces on event and space design, event planning and material selection. Redbox will provide funding for reusable items. The library was able to spend $1,000, so it placed an order with Meunier’s Hardware Store for materials to use in the new Community Square.