By Billy Davis

Crenshaw’s public library will get a facelift if First Regional Library wins a federal grant for the branch’s renovation.

The 13-branch public library system is seeking $90,000 to renovate the Sam Lepidus Memorial Public Library, located on Missouri Street in Crenshaw, said First Regional director Catherine Nathan.

“It’s time we do this,” she said of the effort to secure funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Crenshaw library has not been renovated since 1978, when it was constructed at its present location at a cost of $113,000. The library is named for the late Crenshaw businessman, whose widow contributed endowment funds for the current building.

A renovation would include installing new lights, computers and furniture, and painting the interior, Nathan said.

First Regional is applying for the grant through Rural Development, an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Crenshaw qualifies for the federal grant because the library branch is located in an impoverished area, said Nathan.

The Crenshaw public library is open 24 hours per week. Martha Rayburn presently serves as branch manager.

Crenshaw Mayor Oscar Barlow announced the grant at an April 1 meeting of the mayor and Board of Aldermen.