Larkin Announces Grant Opportunity For Public Libraries

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) reminds local libraries that the New York State Legislature has provided a one-time allocation of $14 million in capital funds for public library construction in the 2006-2007 State Budget. These funds are in addition to the annual $800,000 allocation for public library construction approved for release last week.

The application materials for this construction grant program are now available at www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/construc/grants.htm and include the grant application and instructions, an application checklist, and a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions, as well as information on the allocation of funds throughout the state.

Local libraries must work with their library system and submit all application materials to the system first before the applications are then sent to the New York State Education Department. The deadline for receipt of applications is set by each library system.

Libraries may apply for a construction grant that could fund up to 50 percent of a project. The minimum grant award is $2,500 (for a total project cost of $5,000 with matching funds from the library). No award will be made for any project with a total cost of less than $5,000. There is no maximum award, but the amounts of the awards will depend on the number of project applications received and the total funding available to the library system.

The grant program period is July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2009. Only expenditures made after July 1, 2006, are eligible expenditures for funds awarded as part of this grant. However, expenditures made before July 1 may count as part of the required local match. Libraries may use local, state, or federal public funds, private funds, or a combination of funds from those sources for the required match.

Questions about the construction grant program or application procedure should be directed to the local public library system.