Company’s library grants help rural communities
In recognition of National Library Day, Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Nebraska, is continuing its Rural Library Grant program.
Originally launched in 2023 to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary and honor Agnes Robinson’s dedication to the rural library in Waterloo, Nebraska, the program continues to hold special meaning. Agnes, great-grandmother of Jim Robinson, CEO of Rob-See-Co, was a passionate advocate for rural libraries. Today, the program extends support to libraries across rural communities within the company’s footprint.
Previous grant recipients have used funding to expand book collections, digitize local newspapers, enhance children’s programming, and develop makerspaces. “The grant funding we received made it possible for us to create a “pop-up town,” a versatile resource we’ve already planned to use in multiple ways,” said Mandy Cook, Marysville (Kansas) Public Library director. “Encouraging children to engage in imaginative play is incredibly important—it supports speech, overall development, and even early literacy skills. We are truly grateful to Rob-See-Co for providing us with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through outreach in our small town.”
In 2026, Rob-See-Co will award ten $500 grants for a total of $5,000 to selected rural libraries across Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Funds may be used for core educational, preservation and interpretive purposes, including collection development, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, programming, and publications.
“These grants reflect our ongoing commitment to the dealers, distributors, growers, and communities we serve, while honoring my family’s legacy and the history of Rob-See-Co,” Robinson said. “We’re proud to continue investing in rural libraries that play such an important role in our communities.”
Applications were distributed via email on April 6 and are due by June 30. Grant recipients will be announced on Oct. 1.
Rob-See-Co is an independent seed company with regional expertise, providing customers with leading genetics and traits. For more information, see a representative or visit www.robseeco.com.
