Pacific Northwest Farmers Cooperative Completes Funding Drive for The Center at Colfax Library

Thanks to a $2500 donation from Pacific Northwest Farmers Cooperative (PNW), the Friends of Whitman County Library have now raised the funds needed to complete the renovation of The Bettie Steiger Community Enrichment Center. PNW officials Bill Newbry and Keith Becker commented, “It was such a pleasure to contribute funds to this grassroots community project.” To date, the Center has been funded completely through donations, grants and volunteers whose grand total will exceed $500,000.

Just last month, the Whitman County .09 Economic Development committee awarded the project a grant of $100,000 with the stipulation that $34,000 in matching funds come from the library. Using existing donations to the restroom project along with a $1000 donation from Inland Northwest Bank (INB), a $5000 check from the Thrifty Grandmothers Club and this $2500 donation from PNW the goal was met in less than one month’s time.

Library officials report that restroom construction is slated to begin in mid-July while other phases of the project are in the final planning stages, including a technology lab, signage and a safer back entrance. Contact Kristie Kirkpatrick, Whitman County Library Director for more information at 509-397-4366.

Friends and staff of Whitman County Library receive PNW’s donation during their June Meeting at The Center