Latimer, Buchwald, Otis & Paulin Announce Construction Grant Awards for Westchester Libraries

Senator George Latimer, Assemblymembers David Buchwald, Steve Otis and Amy Paulin have announced that 6 libraries in the 37th Senate District will receive new funding.  Below is the list of recipients, amounts and the uses of the grants.

• Bedford Hills Free Library, $18,202 for lighting and climate control and energy efficiency.
• Eastchester Public Library, $6,714 to replace 39 fluorescent fixtures with LED energy efficient structures.
• Harrison Public Library, $44,969 to transform the Children's Room into an enhanced environment.
• Larchmont Public Library, $49,969 for roof renovations
• New Rochelle Public Library (Huguenot Children's Library), $11, 625 for installation of interior task lighting and storage.
• West Harrison Branch, $14,969 to replace 20 steel frame single pane windows with heavy duty commercial frames.

Senator Latimer stated, “Our libraries are centerpieces of every community and it’s important that they continue to thrive and provide valuable resources to local residents.  Between programs, facilities and many other services, these funds will allow our local libraries to continue providing those services at a continued or even greater level.”

“Our libraries provide an important service to our community, allowing families to take advantage of educational opportunities, computer access, and a diverse array of books, audiobooks and DVDs to enjoy for both research and fun,” Assemblyman Buchwald said. “This funding will help our libraries reduce energy costs and ensure that their buildings are safe and up-to-date for many years to come.”

Assemblyman Otis stated, “These state grants are vital to making sure that our libraries can continue to improve their facilities, utilizing state funds that protect the local property taxpayer from bearing the cost of these infrastructure needs. These grants will help to ensure that our local libraries remain safe, efficient and inviting places for the public to enjoy.” 

"Any amount of additional funding, big or small, helps our libraries better maintain their facilities while keeping costs at a minimum.   I am very pleased that the Eastchester Library was included in this state grant,”  said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin.

The grant funds are from $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2013 State Budget.

New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading. A recent survey showed a documented need for public library construction and renovation projects totaling more than $2.2 billion. More than 48% of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Another 30% are more than three decades old. Many of New York’s local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are energy inefficient, cannot provide Internet and computer and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring, and do not have sufficient space to house the library’s expanding collection, address the need for adequate meeting room, or provide for public access computers.

Project activities and expenditures eligible for grants from the $14 million Public Library Construction Grant Program include financing construction of new library buildings, construction of additions to existing buildings, and the renovation and/or rehabilitation of existing space, including roof replacement, purchase and installation of alternative energy resources and new HVAC systems, windows, doors, and lighting systems, electrical upgrades, and construction of new or replacement of old walkways and parking lots, among other things. New furniture, shelving and equipment, including computer equipment, can be purchased for new or newly reconfigured or renovated space. Renovations designed to provide accessibility for patrons with disabilities is a high priority.