October 13, 2017 – The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library has been awarded a $400,000 grant by The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation to be used for flood restoration following the June 2017 flooding event.
The entire lower level of the building sustained significant damage during the flood, including the Community Room, Youth Services, and Midland Community Television (MCTV). The grant will be used to replace and repair infrastructure in these areas, including carpeting, walls, built-in cabinets, baseboards and other woodwork, paint, and more.
“The Foundation and the Library share a rich history dating back to 1949, as evidenced by the current building bearing the name of our founder, Grace Dow, who was a long-time, active supporter of the public library,” said Foundation President Mike Whiting. “The Library serves as an important place of learning and community for the people of Midland and we are pleased to provide this grant to assist with restoring it to its pre-flood state.”
“This grant will go a long way in helping us repair and rebuild after this devastating loss,” said Library Director Melissa Barnard. “We are so grateful to The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation for their generosity and are anxious to bring back full services to the Library.”
The Library expects to open the bidding process for the flood restoration portion of the project in November 2017. Officials currently estimate that the damage total including post-flood clean-up will reach $1.5 million, which is significantly greater than the coverage amount provided by the City’s flood insurance policy.
For more information on services and programs at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, please call 989-837-3430 or visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/library
