COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Garnet A. Wilson Public Library of Pike County has been awarded more than $12,000 through a statewide competitive grant program, funding that comes as the library system continues to rebuild its outreach capacity following a fire that heavily damaged its main branch last year.
State Rep. Bob Peterson, R‑Sabina, announced that the library will receive $12,204 through the State Library of Ohio’s Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Competitive Grants program. The award was approved during the State Library Board’s December meeting.
The board approved more than $265,000 in federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to support 12 libraries and archives across Ohio. The grants, which can total up to $50,000 per project, focus on strengthening libraries’ roles as community anchors and supporting literacy, outreach, and engagement.
Peterson said the funding will help expand services in Pike County. “Our local libraries do far more than lend books—they serve as vital hubs for education, outreach, and opportunity,” he said in a statement.
The Garnet A. Wilson Public Library received its grant under the Outreach and Engagement category. The money will be used to purchase a cargo lift for the library’s outreach vehicle and a portable science cart to support a mobile STEM and STEAM education station—resources that will help the library continue serving residents while long‑term recovery work remains underway.