Monessen Elks grant will help fund public library

Monessen Elks BPOE Lodge 773 secured a $4,000 grant to help the library increase its book collection.

For the MVI

Like many organizations that provide public services to residents in their community, the Monessen Public Library has experienced a decrease in government funding. The continued reduced funding has forced the library to find additional funds. But, thanks to a generous $4,000 Beacon Grant from Monessen Elks BPOE Lodge 773, the pain of decreased funding has been reduced.

Library Board Treasurer Joe Bozik said that the library will use a portion of the funds to purchase additional e-book licenses for bestsellers. Digital licenses can cost around $80 and, unlike a hardback book which lasts a lifetime, typically expire after a maximum of two years.

Library patrons can access the e-books using their library card and Libby, a library reading app. The donation will ensure those reading at home will have plenty to read and access to trending works.

Library Director Dave Zilka added that the funding will also go towards increasing the library’s book collection, including fiction, nonfiction, children and young adult, and large print books.

“While copies of books may be elsewhere in the Westmoreland County Library system, it is beneficial to own our copies as Monessen books can be ordered from patrons of other libraries, increasing our library’s circulation numbers,” Zilka said.

Bozik also expressed his deepest appreciation to the Elks membership, including Exalted Ruler Zachary Seery, grant coordinators Ted Harhai and Rosemary Spaw, and Trustee Eloy Ramirez, along with the other members and officers. He also thanked the representative of the Elks national organization who assisted with the application and approval.

He also said the library is a passion for him and his wife. “We utilize the library’s resources year-round. It’s a great source of reading materials and it holds community events on a regular basis,” he said.

Elks co-grant coordinator Rosemary Spaw said, “The Elks and the Library can partner together helping the young people of Monessen. Providing more options for them to have access to will definitely help them as they get older.”

Bozik said, “I believe I can speak for the Monessen Public Library Board and the Monessen community at large when I say we greatly appreciate this donation from the Monessen Elks. We are so grateful that the Elks shares our dedication to youth, community, and services. I also want to thank Ted and Rosemary, and all others who were instrumental in the entire process.”

Elks co-Grant Coordinator Ted Harhai added, “It’s always an honor and pleasure to aid the Monessen Public Library. Expanding the large print collection enables seniors to read comfortably.”