Kern County was recently awarded $12.8 million in California State Library funding from the Building Forward Library Infrastructure Grant Program with no county match. Benefitting 17 local branches, the largest allocation goes to Beale Memorial Library at more than $2.9 million. This investment will help Kern County libraries continue their crucial roles of providing safe and educational spaces for children and families throughout the community.

“The Library Department is thrilled to receive over $12.8 million for addressing life safety and other critical maintenance projects within 17 of our public libraries,” says Andie Sullivan, Director of Kern County Libraries.

“The County is committed to supporting its libraries, and this award is a significant investment to library infrastructure.”