Senator Steve Saland Announces State Grants Are Available For Local Libraries

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C Poughkeepsie) today announced the availability of State grant money to help libraries expand, remodel or acquire new buildings. The funding was secured by Senator Saland in the 2007-2008 State Budget.

"The State has a firm commitment to making sure that our local libraries don’t just maintain the status quo, but thrive", said Senator Saland. "The $14 million in public library construction funding earmarked this year builds on the success of the initiative I secured in last year’s budget and continues to demonstrate how important our local libraries are to New York."

The 2007-2008 Public Library Construction Grant Program allows library systems to apply on behalf of their member libraries for grants which will fund up to 50% of a project’s cost. Eligible project activities and expenditures include the acquisition of a site and an existing building suitable for conversion to library purposes, construction, and renovation or rehabilitation of existing facilities. Libraries may use local, state, federal, public or private funds, or a combination of funds from those sources, for the required match. Libraries needing more information should visit the State Education Department (SED) website at www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/construc/index.html or call (518) 474-7890.

"I would encourage all local libraries to visit SED’s website to determine if a project they are contemplating is eligible for funding," Saland continued. "As the Chairman of the NYS Senate Education Committee, I know first hand the importance of our local libraries. From children just learning to read to seniors whose love of books has lasted a lifetime, libraries are a source of knowledge, entertainment, and social contact for everyone, as well as providing access tocurrent technology for many. I am immensely pleased that this funding was included in the budget again this year, demonstrating the State’s commitment to libraries."

Last year, 248 libraries received grants under the Construction Grant Program. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, September 14, 2007.