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Sánchez Secures $450,000 for Whittier’s Central Library Remodel and Improvement Project

July 16, 2021

Included in House Appropriations Committee’s Fiscal Year 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez announced that she secured inclusion of $450,000 for the City of Whittier's Central Library Remodel and Improvement Project in the 2022 Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill.

"It is my honor to fight for our district in Congress, and I am proud to advocate for this much-needed funding for Whittier's Central Library Remodel and Improvement Project," said Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez. "A library can transform the way a community thinks about itself and bridges all segments of society. This project would expand the Library's offerings and programs to benefit patrons not just in Whittier, but throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. I will continue to fight for our district to ensure that we get the federal funding we need to make Southern California communities stronger."

This funding will be used for enhancement to the Children and Youth Services section in Whittier Central Library, including updated furnishings, additional seating, technology stations, a children's story area , and special computers for early learners .

Whittier Central Library opened in 1959 and has welcomed millions of visitors since. The library collection on opening day was 80,000 items; the collection has now grown to over 220,000 items, an increase of 175%. However, the building has not been updated with the changing role of the library. The facility has overcrowded shelving; lack of seating for Library users, inadequate electrical capacity including wiring, power outlets, data lines, and space for the current and new technology; lack of community meeting place for the wide variety of library programs which are now offered by the Library; inadequate space for housing and displaying local history materials and collection; poor lighting; and a critical shortage of workspace.

Rep. Sánchez submitted several Community Project Funding requests to the Appropriations Committee. A full list of those projects can be found here.

The inclusion of this funding in the Appropriations Committee draft bill is the first step in the funding process. Rep. Sánchez will continue to fight for this funding as the bill moves to the full Appropriations Committee, consideration on the House Floor, and negotiations with the Senate.

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