100 Women Who Care in Sylvan Lake recently decided to support their local library, and the library couldn't be happier.

Thanks to a donation of over $5,000, the library will be able to bring back a well-loved program called "Art Attack".

Sylvan Lake Library Director Andrea Newland said they feel as though they've won a lottery, and can't wait to get things going again.

"Things that we usually require a grant for we can do now," Newland said. 

"There's a program that was very popular program called Art Attack, which basically is a program that uses lots of different mediums of art that we would apply for grant funding for. The last time we applied for it, we were actually denied and had to shut down that program. I had said I really hoped we'd be able to bring that back, and now we can."

Newland said she knew there were residents who were very sad to see the program go, as it was their only exposure to such art projects because of the cost of getting those supplies together. She said the variety offered by the program was a great way for people to try out new activities without committing to major purchases.

The funds from the local 100 Women chapter will also be dispersed to support programs like the Little Free Pantry, which provides no-questions-asked free food for people who need it. 

There is also a snack program for kids who come in to use the after-school programs. 

"Some of those kids are pretty hungry after school, or maybe didn't get a very good lunch during the day. They can come in, and we have snacks and some drinks available for them," Newland explained. 

"They are extremely well used [programs]. You don't know what everyone's background is. You didn't know what kind of lunch they had, or if they're getting breakfast in the mornings," she said, adding that if they can make a child's tummy happy as they enjoy the space, that makes the staff happy as well. 

Newland said all of these programs help to maintain the library as a community hub, and she's very thankful for the support.

Library board member Jennifer Blair joined 100 Women Who Care in November and nominated the library to receive the group’s donations at the first meeting she attended. Blair was called upon to present to the group about why the library is a worthwhile cause. The group of women evidently agreed with Blair, as they selected the library to benefit from the fundraiser.

The money will be used for a variety of resources. New large print and audiobooks will be purchased, the library will upgrade computer software, and funds will find their way into library programs. 

As with anyone who donates $20 or more to the library, the members of 100 Women Who Care will receive tax receipts.

Anyone can donate to the library at any time, either through the library’s website (sylvanlibrary.prl.ab.ca) or in person at the library.

The library also accepts material donations, and information on what items are accepted can be found on the library’s website.