Deseronto Public Library has been awarded a grant of $45,000 to support the FLEXspace Project which will bring a flexible and modern programming space to the library.
The purpose of the FLEXspace is to refresh and redesign the back rooms of the Deseronto Public Library, which were previously used as the computer lab and archives area. The project will result in a new resource for the community and surrounding area that will empower residents to explore new skills, build upon existing experience, and future-proof the Deseronto Public Library for whatever the future may hold.
This grant is part of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s new L.E.A.F. (Learning Engagement & Accelerator Fund). The company invited community groups from across Eastern, Central and Western Ontario to apply for a total of $300,000 in grants that focus on learning and building the skills and capacity of local communities.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this generous funding from The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group. The L.E.A.F. grant is helping us bring new resources and possibilities to the Deseronto Public Library and it cannot be understated how important education opportunities are for anyone at any age.,” said Julie Lane, CEO/Librarian of the Deseronto Public Library.
A step beyond typical funding, The Commonwell’s L.E.A.F. is supporting community projects that focus on learning new skills and building resiliency and capacity for the long-term health of the communities.
“We had almost 100 applications and they were all worthy of supporting. Making the selection was difficult, but we feel the 2022 L.E.A.F. grant recipients represent a very impressive range of community causes that will result in a long-term community investment by funding the sharing of knowledge.” said Tim Shauf, President and CEO of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group. “We are excited to see these programs and initiatives across Commonwell Country come to life and serve the people and communities for years to come.”