Bonacic Announces Library Grants

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C - Mount Hope) announced today that for the second year in a row, the New York State Legislature has allocated $14 million in capital funds for public library construction in the State Budget. Applications with complete instructions to access these funds are now available at the New York State Library website:

"Our libraries are more than repositories of books, they are community centers where young and old alike can congregate for a number of activities," stated Senator Bonacic. "It is crucial that we, as lawmakers, provide State support for our libraries."

Senator Bonacic said that along with the application and instructions available on line are budget forms, application checklist, and a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions. Local libraries must work with their library system and submit all application materials to the system. The deadline for receipt of applications will be set by each system. Local libraries are encouraged to contact their system as soon as possible to let the system know if the library plans to apply for a construction grant. They library systems must submit all applications received to the State Library by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 14, 2007.

Each year, Senator Bonacic has successfully secured State funding for each of the public libraries in the 42nd Senate District. "I strongly believe that supporting our libraries is critical to the health and well being of our communities," Senator Bonacic said.

The minimum grant award is $2,500 for a minimum total project cost of $5,000. The grant could fund up to 50 percent of a project. Eligible project expenditures include the acquisition of a site and an existing building suitable for conversation to library purposes, construction, and renovation or rehabilitation of a facility. Routine maintenance is not fundable, but libraries are encouraged to improve library access to persons with disabilities.

Information regarding this program has been distributed to each library system in the State. If you have any questions about the construction grant program or application procedure, contact your local library system.