Dearborn Heights library to get new vehicle, computers and more with federal grant

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-12th District) announced a $206,000 federal grant for the Dearborn Heights library in June, the city has formally accepted it and it soon will be spent.

Library director Michael McCaffrey said the grant money will be spent on replacing computers and infrastructure in both libraries in the city, and getting a new vehicle for the John F. Kennedy Library in the city’s south end.

McCaffrey said the grant is 100% from the federal government, so the city doesn’t have to match it with local money.

He said the process is a little daunting, taking about 18 months to jump through all the hoops needed to get approval, but that it was well worth it.

In addition to the vehicle, which will be used for mobile book deliveries and other library business, and the computers, the grant also will cover the cost of new English as a Second Language books and the “Great Crates” program, which is run by AJ Wyatt-Moir. That program is a partnership with schools to get extra books into classrooms throughout the year.

“I grew up with the bookmobile coming through our neighborhood and it helped me get access to books that ignited my imagination,” Tlaib said. “This funding will replace the outdated computer and electronics infrastructure, as well as the mobile book services project. These changes will have a direct impact on the lives of our residents and promote literacy and learning.”

The grant was officially approved by the Department of Education about a month ago, after passing through several layers of government at the federal level. Dearborn Heights officially accepted it on Aug. 22.