Senator Farley Announces Local Libraries Awarded Construction Grants

As a longtime library advocate and Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I – Schenectady) is pleased to announce four libraries in his 49th Senatorial District were recently awarded public library construction funds that will allow them to improve their facilities.

“Libraries are a place of lifelong learning that are available to everyone,” Senator Farley said. “These funds will help improve the buildings that house vital information and allow organizations to keep up with the demands of their users – whether it is installing climate control systems so books do not deteriorate, improving entrances for people with disabilities, or upgrading wiring for Internet and computer needs.”

Senator Farley’s district includes all of Fulton and Hamilton Counties, and portions of Herkimer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties.

The grant funds are from $14 million in capital funds that were allocated in the 2012 State Budget for a competitive grant program for construction and renovation of public libraries. A new allocation of $14 million was approved in the 2013 budget for library construction projects.

Awardees in Senator Farley’s district include:

* Gloversville Public Library (Fulton County) was awarded $200,374 to replace the windows in the historic Carnegie building with energy efficient and historically accurate replicas.

* Town of Lake Pleasant Public Library (Hamilton County) was awarded $85,200 for a new library extension that will provide more space, flexibility, openness and latest technology.

* Old Forge Library (Herkimer County) was awarded $4,557 to help provide safe access to the library during the winter months by upgrading the parking lot pavement and the sidewalk ramp.

* Schenectady County Public Library (Schenectady County) was awarded $111,318 to support the removal and replacement of the existing sidewalks and disturbed brickwork along Liberty Street. This will improve patron safety for access to the library and improve patron utilization of library services.