Gary Smith, Community Programs Director, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Topeka will present information about Rural Library Initiative for interested regional library system directors, rural public library directors and board members other interested community members.  The USDA has made available funds to assist public libraries through its Community Facilities Program. 

Loan and grant assistance are available to rural communities of up to 20,000 in population.  Eligible applicants include public libraries, cities, counties, special-purpose districts as well as non-profit corporations that have the legal authority necessary for construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed facility. Funds may be used to construct, enlarge or improve public libraries including costs to acquire land needed for a facility, pay necessary professional fees and purchase equipment required for operation as well as the to purchase equipment.