Rippey Community Center/Library. Photo courtesy of the Friends of Rippey

Some of the grant funds that were awarded to a couple of organizations in Rippey have started to make an impact.

The Friends of Rippey received a grant from the Greene County Community Foundation to paint the exterior of the community room/library. The City of Rippey also helped with that endeavor. Rippey Library Director Cara McCoy says the outside looks incredible and it will be a nice improvement when the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) stops in Rippey on July 25th. 

McCoy says the Rippey Library also received a grant for $4,800 from GCCF to be used for a new kids makerspace, purchasing new computers and new adult books. She appreciates the grant the community foundation gave, especially to update their computers.

“I would say that we don’t have the technology fund in our operating funds. Most of our computers are five to seven years old and they no longer get on the new internet. Our library, basically we have enough money for just keeping the doors open that sort of thing. But to do anything extra and keep up with the times, we have to go out for grants. So yes, having these community organizations is amazing.”    

McCoy anticipates installing the makerspace sometime later this fall.