LLCU donates to Nokomis library

May 20, 2023 32 1

NOKOMIS — Land of Lincoln Credit Union — LLCU — has given the new Nokomis library additional funds to complete its project.

In a press release from LLCU earlier this week, the bank donated $10,000 towards the project. A check was presented to library trustees on May 8.

The funds will help support all remaining costs of the building renovation for the new library. They are currently renovating the former Masonic Lodge with the intent to open the 4,800-square-foot facility later this summer.

The donation comes on the heels of an announcement that LLCU is set to acquire Nokomis Savings Bank (NSB). That deal is pending final approval from regulators later this year.

“One of our top priorities at LLCU is to give back to our communities,” stated LLCU President Robert Ares. “This donation to the Nokomis Public Library is just the beginning of our investments in Nokomis. The transition of NSB to LLCU will bring our great products and services to Nokomis. Most importantly, it will also bring our dedication to investing in projects and community initiatives that are important to the people of Nokomis.”

LLCU donation will help library open on time

The $10,000 donation came about following being alerted of the projected opening in July, as well as the barrier of securing additional funds for completion. That alert came from NSB President Charlie O’Malley.

A large majority of the building renovation project came from modest seed grants. Those grants came from the Secretary of State’s office as well as the Office of the State Librarian. Despite those funds, ongoing fundraising was still necessary to fulfill the remaining costs to ensure it opens on time.

“The donation has been a wonderful surprise,” said library board trustee Chris Ukena. “We are very thankful for the generosity of LLCU. Unsurprisingly, we’ve encountered a few surprise expenses while renovating an older building. This unexpected donation is a blessing and will help bridge the budget gap, helping us stay on schedule.”

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Jake Leonard

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.