State Rep. Beth Griffin, of Mattawan, announced the Hartford Public Library has received a $400,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to build the Art & Bronna Vanderlyn Community Center and Hartford Public Library.

The grant was awarded by the Infrastructure and Capacity Building Challenge, where Hartford local Bronna Vanderlyn pledged $1.3 million to acquire and replace the old Red Arrow Elementary School with an 8,000 sq. ft. Humanities Center for the Hartford community and surrounding area.

“This facility will be a tremendous place for area residents to come together, learn, and enjoy quality time with family and friends,” Rep. Griffin said. “I am so thankful to Bronna, the NEH, and everyone who has played a role in making what will be a wonderful asset to our community possible.”

The Hartford Public Library hopes to raise another $300,000 to complete the interior of the facility, bringing the project total to $2 million. Construction could begin as soon as this summer.

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