Senator Ritchie Announces $100,000 for Cny Libraries

Patty Ritchie

May 4, 2012

Education

Grant Money Will Help With Construction, Repairs

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced that more than $100 thousand dollars in funding will be awarded to libraries in Oswego County through public library construction grant funds.

The grant funds are from $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2011 State Budget.

“Libraries are being used now, more than ever across New York State, especially right here in Central New York,” said Senator Ritchie.

“These funds will ensure that the public will be able to continue to provide a vital resource—everything from checking out the latest bestseller, to conducting research—that the people in our area so heavily depend upon,” said the Senator.

In Oswego County, money will be used to make structures more energy efficient, expand facilities and make much needed repairs.

New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading. A recent survey has shown that more than 40 percent of over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across the state are more than 60 years old. Another 30 percent are more than three decades old.

This year, the Senator Ritchie was able to help secure $4 million in general aid for libraries; a 3.3 percent increase over last year’s level.

Grant money will go towards the following projects in Central New York:

Central Square Library	$12,250	The library will be improve its energy efficiency by replacing single pane windows; installing a new entrance door and storm door; and installing a new 95% efficient heating unit with central air and reconfigured ductwork so that all areas of the library will be properly heated or cooled. In addition, 20 inches of R-60 (child and school safe) insulation will be added to the attic.
Hannibal Free Library	$30,394	A 22' x 12' addition will be built, incorporating an 18' x 8' existing garage for storage and office areas, to increase the effectiveness of library service through increased and improved building space and capacity.
Parish Public Library	$22,663	The library will replace the roof and address interior damages to maintain the library building and increase the energy efficiency of the building.
Phoenix Public Library	$2,955	The library will undergo an energy efficiency project to upgrade their existing lighting.
Williamstown Library	$32,615	The library will build a 21' x 24' addition to meet the growing needs of the community and to increase the effectiveness of library service by increasing building capacity.

As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, Senator Ritchie has worked to make sure that libraries aren’t overlooked when it comes to receiving state funding.

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