Lennox Community Library receives grant to enhance programming and outreach

The Lennox Community Library has been awarded a $1,050 grant from the Lennox Area Community Fund (LACF). The funding was part of LACF’s 2025 grant cycle, which supported eight local organizations. Other recipients include the Lennox Area Ambulance, Junior Achievement, Worthing Fire Department, City of Worthing, Lincoln County 4-H, Old Towne Dinner Theatre, the Chancellor Fire Department and the Lennox Historical Society.

The Lennox Community Library received the grant to support the purchase of an updated Cricut machine to enhance marketing efforts and expand in-house programming. The grant application was completed by Library Director Audrea Buller.

The Lennox Community Library serves residents throughout the Lennox School District, including Lennox, Chancellor, and Worthing, by providing materials, information, and services that contribute to education, recreation, and overall quality of life. Library facilities are maintained to create an engaging environment that supports lifelong learning.

The Cricut will support several new and expanded opportunities across age groups. For early childhood programming, the library’s growing “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program will benefit from more personalized rewards. Currently, children receive a one-size-fits-all t-shirt upon completion, which has proven impractical for some participants. With a Cricut, the library plans to create customized book bags, a reward parents have indicated would be more useful and meaningful.

For children and students, the Cricut will allow the library to design and produce durable vinyl stickers for reading incentives and general library visits. These stickers can be customized to reflect patrons’ interests, school teams, hobbies, and community pride, rather than relying on generic bulk sticker packages. 

Library staff see opportunities to use these incentives during school programs, community open houses, club and team events, and even hands-on sticker design activities.

The library also plans to expand programming for teens and adults. With a Cricut, the library will offer both structured classes and drop-in sessions focused on learning Cricut design skills and creating personalized items such as home décor, holiday projects, t-shirts, and bags. Classes will be offered at a low cost to cover material expenses, with staff trained by local volunteer Cricut experts and supplemented by free online training resources.

Additionally, the Cricut will help serve new community members and school families seeking Lennox Orioles gear. The library plans to create ready-to-use Orioles templates and host classes or open sessions where participants can bring their own items to customize, particularly ahead of Homecoming, tournaments, and holidays when demand is highest.

The library plans to purchase the Cricut and starter kit through its library supply company, Demco, and will incorporate Cricut programming into its ongoing services. Future costs will be supported through the library budget, donations, and small participation fees for classes.

Since 2004, the LACF has supported nonprofits in Lennox, Chancellor, and Worthing through donor contributions. Community members are encouraged to learn more or contribute at lennoxareacommunityfund.org. Local nonprofits are reminded that the annual deadline for LACF grant applications is in early August.