$45,000 multi-year grant will transform library into inclusive community hub serving rural Waushara and Portage Counties.
The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is proud to announce the Plainfield Public Library as a Visionary Grantee, awarding $45,000 over five years to support an ambitious initiative that will transform the library into a truly inclusive community hub. Under the leadership of Library Director Merra Albosta, this comprehensive project will expand access and services for all residents across rural Waushara and Portage Counties.
The Visionary Grant program supports nonprofit organizations with strategic, multi-year plans that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and measurable community impact. Plainfield Public Library’s proposal distinguished itself through a thoughtful, phased approach to removing barriers and creating welcoming spaces for seniors, people with disabilities, neurodivergent patrons, and community members seeking bilingual resources.
“Libraries are the heart of our communities, and Plainfield Public Library’s vision exemplifies what it means to truly serve everyone,” said Sarah Ross, Director of Community Leadership at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. “This grant recognizes not just a building improvement plan, but a commitment to access and community responsiveness. We’re excited to support Merra and her team in their endeavors.”
The five-year transformation will begin with critical accessibility improvements, including handicap-accessible doors and entry systems to ensure physical access for all patrons. The library will create a sensory-friendly space for neurodivergent visitors and expand programming specifically designed for seniors. Staff will receive comprehensive training in inclusive service practices to better support diverse community needs.
Meeting the needs of the library’s entire community stands at the heart of the initiative. The library will build a bilingual collection featuring Spanish-language materials across all age groups and formats, launch ESL and community Spanish classes supported by digital learning resources, and host multicultural events and programming that foster understanding and connection throughout the community.
The project also embraces environmental sustainability through energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction practices, and improved stewardship. Strategic partnerships with organizations including the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), CAP Services, and the YMCA will ensure programming meets genuine community needs and extends impact beyond the library’s walls.
At a recent open house celebrating the upcoming changes, Director Merra Albosta demonstrated the passion and dedication that makes this vision possible.
“Our library should be a space for all where every person in our community feels welcome, represented, and served,” said Albosta. “This grant gives us an incredible foundation, but our staff and I can only move this work forward with support from the community. We need volunteers, partnership, input, and engagement from the people we serve. Together, we can create something truly transformative that will benefit our rural communities for generations to come.”
Plainfield Public Library joins a distinguished cohort of Visionary Grantees recognized for their forward-thinking approaches to community challenges. By investing in infrastructure, staff capacity, and inclusive programming, the library is positioning itself as a vital resource that will strengthen community connections and serve all residents with dignity and respect.
Pictured from left to right are: Amanda Bronk, CFCWI Board Member; Merra Albosta, Library Director; Nancy McCaskey, CFCWI Board Member; Marc Bickford, President of CFCWI Board