As a result of Rep. Jamie Kiel applying for a grant on its behalf, the Russellville Public Library is already seeing benefits from the $10,000 awarded. He officially presented the money to the library Nov. 22, 2023.

“I was pleased to be able to obtain an Alabama Community Service Grant on behalf of the Russellville Public Library,” Kiel explained. “Joshlyn does a great job as director, and she identified a project that I could assist with. The technology that she is installing will make the library more user-friendly, especially for students. The technology will also be used in the new library after it is completed behind city hall.”

RPL director Joshlyn Bowen said the money will significantly impact what the library can provide to the community.

“I want to personally thank Jamie Kiel for the grant money he applied for on our behalf,” she said. “The money will be used to supply updated technology and learning systems for our children and teens. We have already used a portion to purchase an 85-inch television that will be put on a roll around stand for special learning time and movies.”

Bowen explained leftover money will be used to purchase more books for the children’s room and junior fiction area.

“I am so pleased with the impact Russellville Public Library is making within our community, and with the extra funding coming in, such as this grant money, it allows our outreach to create an even bigger impact.”

Bowen has some specific plans in mind.

“A portion of the grant money will be used for crayon kiosks, and we’ve seen them at the Muscle Shoals library. I want to get one, and it’ll have three iPads attached, and that will be for the children 9 and under, preloaded with learning games that target that age group,” Bowen added, noting she also wants to get two that are geared for the ages from around 10-15.

“This grant money will also pad the budget we already have statewide and citywide for new books,” Bowen said. “My primary goal for the library is for it to be a part of everyone’s life. We have something to offer all age groups. When people walk in, I want their spirits to be lifted.”