The City of Wheaton recently received notice that Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) has secured $750,000 in federal funding to rehabilitate and expand the Wheaton Public Library’s West Plaza entrance. These improvements will allow for more outdoor community events that provide opportunities for Wheaton residents to engage with the library’s services.
The City submitted this project through Representative Casten’s office earlier this year for Community Project Funding consideration. This funding passed the Senate and House as part of the federal budget and will soon be signed into law by President Biden.
“After an extremely competitive project submission process and many months spent advocating tirelessly for our community, I am proud to deliver $750,000 in Community Project Funding for the Wheaton Public Library,” said Rep. Casten. “I am proud to have fought for funding that will make our community healthier, safer, stronger, and even more resilient. This is democracy in action.”
"This funding is crucial to our long-term vision for the Library,” said Betsy Adamowski, Executive Library Director at Wheaton Library. “With it, we can make much needed repairs to our west entrance and also convert it into a large public gathering space that overlooks the beautiful, historic Adams Park here in downtown Wheaton. We'll be able to bring youth programs outside, host new events like outdoor movies or concerts, and provide a more welcoming destination for any visitors stopping by to read a book. The Wheaton Public Library exists to connect the community to both knowledge and experiences. This project allows us to expand on that tradition in new ways, and we are very grateful for the opportunity to carry it out."