Seip presents $25,000 grant for new library/tech center in Pine Grove

State Rep. Tim Seip recently presented a $25,000 state grant to The Paraclete Foundation for the construction of a new library and technology center in the borough of Pine Grove. The facility also will serve Pine Grove and Washington townships. The foundation was created in 2003 to raise the necessary funding to design and build a public library for the area, which has been without one for more than 35 years. Pictured from left are: Edward Wassel, foundation member; Bob Allen; Diane Tobin, foundation secretary; Kenneth Lehman, foundation treasurer; Rep. Seip; and Dennis Chamberlain, foundation vice president of public affairs.

The Paraclete Foundation, in conjunction with the office of State Representative Tim Seip, D-Schuylkill/Berks, has announced the awarding of a major $25,000 state grant for a new public library and technological center in the Pine Grove area.The grant for the Pine Grove Library and Technology Center is being provided through the Community Revitalization Program within the Department of Economic Development (DCED), and was originally secured through the efforts of former State Representative Bob Allen, who is also an ardent supporter of the library project.Representive Seip, who is a member of the foundation, said, "I fully support this grant and all such efforts to construct and maintain the library and technology center. I will continue working with the foundation's leadership and other community leaders to advance this project."Ken Lehman of the Paraclete Foundation, which is coordinating the project, said, "This is the first singicant funding stream the foundation has received for the construction of the library. We appreciate the efforts of Rep. Seip and former Rep. Allen in securing this funding from the DCED."The Paraclete Foundation, a non-profit organization of area residents who recognize the importance of a library to a community, was created in 2003 for the express purpose of raising the necessary capital, designing and building a public library for the Pine Grove area, which includes Pine Grove and Washington townships, and Pine Grove Borough. No library has existed in the are for more than 35 years.

The foundation is actively soliciting donations and memberships. Donations may be made and membership information obtained, by visiting the foundation at 63 S. Tulpehocken Street, Pine Grove. Office hours are Friday and Saturday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Sunday, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM.