Senator Defrancisco Announces State Grants for Library Construction Projects in Onondaga County

John A. DeFrancisco

May 7, 2012

Budget

Senator John A. DeFrancisco has announced that several libraries in Onondaga County have been awarded New York State Public Library Construction Grants to help make necessary improvements to their buildings.

The local grants are among 192 construction grants awarded to public libraries and library systems throughout New York state, which are supported by $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the State Budget.

“Many of New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading,” said Senator DeFrancisco. “Some are energy inefficient, and others are simply deteriorating due to age. I am very pleased that Onondaga County has been awarded several construction grants. Our libraries are a valuable resource and we should do all that we can to maintain them and improve upon them.”

The following local libraries have been awarded construction grants:

· Baldwinsville Public Library -- $3,959 to implement four energy conservation improvements recommended in a 2010 “Energy Conservation Study” of the Baldwinsville Public Library.

· Fayetteville Free Library -- $250,695 to build a business center in existing space, and a public Fab Lab, which is a collection of commercially available machines and parts linked by software and processes developed for making items.

· Maxwell Memorial Library -- $9,050 to replace the roof covering portions of the library that were added in 1986-87.

· Northern Onondaga Public Library -- $43,489 for an efficient, permanent, multi-purpose facility with concrete floor to be used by all three system libraries to increase the effectiveness of library service in each facility.

· Onondaga County Public Library -- $125,363 for Mundy’s physical space to be reconstructed into an InfoTech Center: a 21^st century library with an emphasis on technology, mobility, and flexible spaces.

· Onondaga Free Library -- $5,815 for a security system installation to maintain employee safety and address loss prevention.

· Tully Free Library -- $7,991 for the installation of an air conditioning system in the library, including the community room, for increased building capacity and energy efficiency, and the renovation of the circulation area for improved utilization of building space and increased staff efficiency.

Public library construction grants help local libraries and library systems build new libraries, create additions, update electrical wiring to accommodate computer technology, meet standards of energy efficiency, renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, and provide meeting rooms to accommodate community needs.

The grants announced are separate from the ongoing annual appropriation for public library construction.

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