Area Lawmakers Announce Library Grants

     State lawmakers Senator Betty Little and Assemblymembers Janet Duprey, Tony Jordan and Teresa Sayward today announced a series of grants awarded to libraries throughout the North Country.

     The library construction grants are made available through a $14 million capital fund approved last year as part of the 2008-09 state budget.  More than 40 percent of the approximately 1,000 public library buildings throughout New York are over 60 years old.

     “During tough economic times, more people turn to libraries for information and entertainment,” said Little.  “It’s important our libraries are current, easy to use, energy efficient and above all, safe.  The awarding of these grants is good news.”

     “Our libraries are the cornerstones of our communities, helping to prepare our children for the challenges of the future and serving as a meeting point for various groups, especially seniors,” said Jordan.  “These grants will enable libraries to continue to serve these functions by helping fix decaying structures and providing a safer environment for all to enjoy.”

     “Libraries are invaluable public resources for our communities,” said Sayward.  “I am pleased that our local libraries will be able to update and repair their facilities so that they can better serve the families and children of the North Country.”

     “I am very pleased to announce these grants that will help enhance libraries in my Assembly District,” said Duprey.  “Libraries are a community asset, a valuable resource that everyone should take advantage of.”

     Libraries awarded funding include:

 -- Greenwich Free Library, $8,950  for roof replacement;
 -- Crandall Public Library, $111,651 for purchase and installation of new shelving and furniture;
 -- Richards Library, $42,048 for construction of “bridge” between the old library and new addition, attic insulation, expansion of HVAC to include new addition and construction of accessible bathroom;
 -- Town of Johnsburg Library, $18,430 for installation of new rear door and construction of new ramp from parking lot to rear entry;
 -- Westport Library, $7,545 for installation of drainage system and restoration of foundation, front porch and steps;
 -- Peru Free Library, $67,291 for replacement of furnace, front sidewalk and roof and installation of solar panels;
 -- Plattsburgh Public Library, $7,154 for reconstruction of existing space to create Local History Room and upgrading electrical wiring; and,
 -- Chateaugay Memorial Library, $3,342 for purchase of shelving and furniture.

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