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 51^st 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.
Herkimer	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.
Tompkins	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.