Thanks to Rural Library Grants Program Award
Parma Public Library is partnering with Genesee Land Trust to install a Story Trail at Salmon Creek Nature Preserve in Hilton. The library received a $7,471 grant through the Rural Library Grant Program, powered by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, to bring this project to life.
The Story Trail will feature pages of a children’s book displayed on panels along a preserve trail, allowing visitors to enjoy a story with family and friends as they explore the outdoors. The featured story will change throughout the year, encouraging repeat visits.
“We are very grateful for this opportunity from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, as well as to grow our partnership with Genesee Land Trust,” said Library Director Grace Engelbrecht. “It’s so exciting to offer this opportunity for outdoor exploration in Parma to benefit residents and surrounding communities.”
The organizations plan to install the story trail in late summer with a grand opening to be announced at a later date.
The Rural Library Grants Program is a $3 million, three-year initiative running from 2026 to 2028. The program is designed to strengthen rural public libraries and library systems across Western New York and Southeast Michigan. It recognizes the important role rural libraries serve as one of the few free, accessible public spaces where residents of different ages and backgrounds can learn, gather, access technology, and connect with services close to home.
In Western New York, the program is administered by the Western New York Library Resources Council and the Rochester Regional Library Council on behalf of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.
Libraries were invited to propose projects that address needs identified within their communities while aligning with the Foundation’s focus areas. Grant recipients were selected through a competitive process administered by local partner organizations with extensive knowledge of rural libraries and community needs.
Other Monroe and Orleans County recipients include the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina, which received $31,891 for an outdoor children’s garden and musical garden; the Mendon Public Library, which received $17,600 for a Story Walk centered on themes of nature, movement, family and community; and Yates Community Library, which received $27,500 for supplies for a community outdoor explorers’ program.
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