Friends of the Stilwell Public Library of New Sharon uses $5000 MCCF Grant for updates

Members of Mahaska County Community Foundation present a $5000 grant award to Friends of Stilwell Public Library of New Sharon. Pictured from left to right are Margaret Ratcliffe, Christy Bellinger, Alexa Stout, Josie Davis, Vicky Collette, and Madonna Bowie.

New Sharon, IA, – The Friends of the Stilwell Public Library of New Sharon [Friends] is a non-profit charitable organization with the primary goal of contributing to the funding of special programs and needs of the library. Founded in 2022, Friends has been able to fundraise and use community donations to be able to purchase items like the community room television, lighted memo board, Halloween program materials, and help support the new 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

In 2023, volunteers applied for and were awarded a $5000 grant from the Mahaska County Community Foundation (MCCF) to help support updates for the library. “We are just winding down on this grant period, and are thrilled MCCF offered their support to help Friends of Stilwell Public Library make an impact in our local library in New Sharon,” said Mandy Hudnut, Friends secretary/treasurer.

Local New Sharon resident, Rick Tjarks, of Cheney’s Grove Woodworking was commmissioned to craft a custom ADA handicap-accessible table with storage for the community room and will also be building the circulation desk funded in part by the MCCF grant. Tjarks also donated a portion of his labor to the project.

“By working together with community members and matching funds with the library board on the circulation desk, we are able to make these dollars stretch further,” explained grant administrator Christy Bellinger.

Additional items purchased for the library with the 2023-2024 grant funding included:

· Storage bins to complete the custom desk system

· Community room chairs

· Community room mirror for more visibility within the library

· Children’s table

Friends of the Stilwell Public Library of New Sharon are continuing their community campaign. If you would like to support Friends of Stilwell Public Library of New Sharon with a tax-deductible financial donation, you can PayPal to friendsofstilwell@gmail.com or mail to

Friends of the Stilwell Public Library of New Sharon

PO Box 72

New Sharon IA 50207

For more information, you may contact Friends of Stilwell Public Library of New Sharon via email at: friendsofstilwell@gmail.com