Senator Farley Announces Library Construction Grants

As the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Libraries, State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C - Schenectady) was able to add $14 million in last year's State budget for Library Construction Grants. He was also able to secure $5 million in additional operating aid for libraries.

These construction grants were offered Statewide on a competitive basis. The following three local applicants were recently awarded construction funds:

* Ballston Spa Public Library, Saratoga County, $62, 096. The funding will be used to create a small addition to house an elevator, mechanical room and new entry way.

* Northville Public Library, Fulton County, $40,788. The funding will be used to renovate the second floor, install an elevator and install lighting.

* Fort Plain Free Library, Montgomery County, $44,547. The funding will be used for rebuilding front porch and columns, removal of drop ceilings, paneling and wainscoting, and restoration of original walls and ceilings.

"Libraries not only open our children to a wonderful world of learning, they offer crucial services to adults such as the Internet for job seekers, text books for those seeking to improve their education and resources for those improving their lives," Senator Farley said. The Senator is a library advocate who defends the State's libraries against cuts and would like to see library funding increase in pace with education aid increases.

Senator Farley, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Libraries since 1978, sponsored all significant library legislation adopted over three decades. He was a member of the Governor's Commission on Libraries, an elected delegate to the White House Conferences on Libraries in 1979 and 1991, and a recipient of the New York Library Association President's Award. As prime Senate sponsor of the New Century Libraries legislation, he led successful efforts to restore library funding in the State budget. Senator Farley also supports libraries in the communities he represents

This year's proposed budget would include additional funds for library construction projects.