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New hours and renewed energy at the Elgin Public Library are bringing fresh opportunities for creativity and community care.
The library has surpassed $150,000 in recent grant funding to support accessibility upgrades, mental health programming and the launch of its new maker space, the Creation Station. In addition to more than 30,000 items — including books, DVDs and audiobooks — the library boasts a growing list of inclusive programming, according to Library Services Manager Heather Fowler.
“We’re a place where people come to learn, to connect and to belong,” Fowler said in a recent update. “These programs give people a chance to work through real challenges in a supportive, community- focused environment.”
Fowler added that the grants help Elgin Public Library better meet the needs of the city’s expanding and diverse community.
The downtown hub’s largest award comes from St. David’s Foundation’s Libraries for Health initiative. Since the program launched in 2021, the library has received $112,000 to provide non-clinical mental wellness resources, including on-site mental health and peer support specialists.
“We are excited to have these opportunities to ensure that our population with disabilities feels welcome and comfortable in our space,” Fowler said. “These grants allow our library to get to know our residents with disabilities better and also help create a warm, inviting space for the community to come together.”
As part of the same initiative, the library developed its new Creation Station, which will hold a grand opening celebration Thursday, July 31, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 404 N. Main St. The ribbon cutting will welcome residents with a tour of the facility after remarks from Mayor Theresa McShan and St. David’s Foundation representatives.
Elgin’s creatives now have access to sewing and embroidery machines, a 3D printer, laser cutter, heat press, mug press, binding machine and more. Most equipment is free to use, but some material-based fees may apply, according to officials.
Patrons must complete equipment training, sign a waiver and present a valid photo ID before using the space.
“I am so grateful to St. David’s Foundation for working with us to make the Creation Station a reality,” Fowler said. “This space will give our patrons the opportunity to hone their creative skills and push the limits of their imagination in a safe space without a huge cost to them or their families. I can’t wait to see what people create.”
In June, the library also received a $24,551 reimbursement grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to transform its children’s area into a sensory-friendly space for youth with disabilities. New features will include calming stations, interactive wall panels and other tools to reduce anxiety and support emotional regulation, officials said.
An additional $20,000 grant awarded in April through an American Library Association initiative will fund automatic door systems at the library’s main entrance and restrooms. The program includes accessibility training for staff and community discussions on inclusive library services.
Other recent additions offer parent seminars, support groups and continued staff development.
“We are so proud of our library and our staff for being open to putting these programs in place, and grateful to all of these organizations for supporting our efforts,” Fowler said.
Staff report increased foot traffic since expanding hours last fall — now open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Creation Station is open to library cardholders ages 14 and older on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m.
