![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/%2811-18-08%29%20Seward-HS-050.jpg?itok=JIw55FSU)
Local Libraries Receive State Grants
James L. Seward
June 13, 2014
ONEONTA, 06/13/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced that community libraries throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of over $685,000 in public library construction grant funds.
"Our libraries are community hubs, hosting countless activities that enrich lives young and old," Seward said. “Libraries are also some of the most historic landmarks we have and they are often in need of costly technological and accessibility upgrades that must be accomplished while still maintaining their traditional character.”
Public library construction grants help local libraries and library systems to 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. New furniture, shelving, and equipment, including computer equipment, can be purchased for new or newly reconfigured or renovated space.
“Electronic lending has skyrocketed and many people utilize the Internet at their local library to job search or catch up on news from around the globe. It is vital that libraries are able to keep up with changing needs,” Seward added.
New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading. More than 48 percent of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Another 30 percent are more than three decades old.
Senator Seward is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries and a consistent advocate for libraries. He has routinely received high marks from the New Yorkers for Better Libraries for his support of libraries.
“Assisting libraries with state funds takes the burden off local taxpayers, while preserving and improving these valuable resources for generations to come,” Seward concluded.
The grants are from $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2013 state budget.
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Complete listing of individual grant awards throughout Senator Seward’s district:
Chenango | Smyrna Public Library | 7 East Main Street Smyrna NY 13464 | $18,746 | Modification of doors, staircase, flooring , and shelving to increase efficient use of space for computer users and plumbing weatherization. |
Delaware | Fairview Public Library | 43 Walnut St Margaretville NY 12455 | $110,292 | Construction of ADA compliant ramp and vestibule for library in an economically disadvantaged area ravaged by 2011 Hurricane Irene flooding. |
Herkimer | Ilion Free Public Library | 78 West Street Ilion NY 13357 | $102,353 | Basement renovation under original building for archive and general storage and next phase of restoring original building facade. |
Weller Library | 41 W. Main Street Mohawk NY 13407 | $3,052 | This project supports essential improvements to Weller Library's security system providing a safe environment for patrons and staff in an emergency. | |
Otsego | Worcester Free Library | 170 Main Street Worcester NY 12197 | $112,500 | Acquisition of the site (.58 acres) including the 1920s building of 2240 sq. ft. The property is directly adjacent to the existing library. |
Schoharie | The Community Library | 110 Union St Cobleskill NY 12043 | $40,462 | Replace roofing on the western half of the building and add a ramp and door for improved accessibility. |
Tompkins | Finger Lakes Library System | 1300 Dryden Road Ithaca NY 14850 | $211,526 | FLLS will acquire a new site that better meets patron's needs by purchasing a building/site and renovating the garage into a finished delivery area. |
Groton Public Library | 112 East Cortland Street Groton NY 13073 | $10,335 | The Groton Public Library's project involves the installation of a new air conditioning system and renovation of the tile entrance foyer. | |
Ulster | Phoenicia Library | 48 Main Street Phoenicia NY 12464 | $76,564 | Ten element project to complete post-fire rebuild and expansion. Includes interior/exterior fundamentals and construction supervision. |
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