Members of the Pearl River County Library System grant writing committee have been discussing ways to bring money into the library system so facilities and services can be upgraded.

Pearl River County Library System Director Carol Phares said the team held a meeting Thursday where they discussed applying for  the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant. She said it’s the only federal program exclusively for libraries and administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). If awarded, the library would be eligible to receive up to $3,000, she said.

Another grant the committee could apply for is the Walmart community grant worth up to $5,000, Phares said.

She said the grant funding could pay for upgrades to the public restrooms at the Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library, bringing them up to standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Phares is also looking to install an AWE Learning Early Literacy Station at the Picayune and Poplarville locations. Designed for children, the station provides learning activities children can use to build their reading skills, she said.

Phares said the team is also looking at ways to make the entrance at the Picayune Library facing Kirkwood Street handicapped accessible, Phares said.

The team’s next step is to investigate requirements for each grant, Phares said.

If community members are interested in joining the grant writing committee, they can attend the next meeting set for June 21 at 4 p.m.

For more information about the library’s program call 601-798-5081.