(La Porte, IN) - A local manufacturer is helping the La Porte County Public Library serve the community, as the Howmet Aerospace Foundation has awarded the LPCPL a $60,000 grant.

 

$20,000 of those funds will go to provide children, from birth until their fifth birthday, with free books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Through the country music legend’s early childhood literacy program, LPCPL officials explain, any child living in La Porte County can register to receive a free, new age-appropriate book by mail once a month.

 

The remainder of the grant will pay for new Makerspace equipment at the La Porte County Public Library Exchange at 807 Indiana Ave. The new equipment includes two Brother embroidery machines, two Ultimaker 3D printers, two precision mini-lathes, an AnyCubic resin 3D printer, and an X-Carve CNC machine with a larger carving area.

 

Each person trained on the new equipment will receive a free Safety and Learning Bundle, which includes LPCPL and Howmet Aerospace branded safety glasses, a pen, tape measure, USB flash drive, and notebook, officials said.

 

“We want to reach and emphasize safety to all who use the tools and equipment.  These skills are transferrable to the school, home, and workplace,” said LPCPL Director Fonda Owens.

 

A ribbon cutting at the LPCPL Exchange is scheduled for April 10th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to unveil the latest additions of equipment. The public is invited to enjoy light refreshments, receive tours of the facility, and learn more about the equipment by watching skilled demonstrators.