Senator Sue Serino Announces Major Win for Area Libraries

Sue Serino

August 11, 2015

Senator Sue Serino Announces Major Win for Area Libraries

HYDE PARK, NY—Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) announced today that area libraries will be able to take on critical revitalization projects thanks to the over $270,000 earmarked for public library construction funds in the 41^st Senate District.

“Our area libraries have played a vital role in our communities for generations, providing access to services and resources that improve life for so many,” said Senator Serino. “Having met with countless constituents who use and work at our libraries, I know that there is an urgent need for important renovations to help meet the growing demand and these grants will help meet those needs without putting an additional strain on the local taxpayers.”

The funding comes from the $14 million in capital funds allocated for public library construction in the 2014-15 State Budget and will go toward projects that increase access to libraries, improve energy efficiency and transform unused space. Additionally, the Greater Poughkeepsie Library District was awarded over $90,000 to help construct its new Boardman Road Branch.

“Our area libraries provide incredible bang for our buck,” Serino continued. “They’re a space for our community members to come together, they supplement the education of our children and others and they provide access to important resources including internet job finding forums. Therefore, while tough decisions need to be made when negotiating the State Budget—in order to keep costs down and to hold the line on our taxes—investing in our libraries is a smart way to stretch our dollars.”

Since taking office in January, Senator Serino has made area libraries a priority, announcing earlier this year that she secured an additional $80,000 which was allocated to each library district based on population.

The following chart shows a list of 41^st Senate District libraries awarded public library construction funding:

RCLS	Putnam	41	Putnam Valley Free Library	30 Oscawana Lake Road Putnam Valley NY 10579	$44,168	Replacement of the vehicular bridge over Oscawana Brook used to access Library and stream bank stabilization to preserve Library's foundation.
RCLS	Putnam		Julia L. Butterfield Memorial LIbrary	10 Morris Ave Cold Spring NY 10516	$24,566	Revitalization of unused space will provide for new public space in Children's Room; replacement window, door and lighting will improve energy efficiency.
MHLS	Dutchess		Howland Public Library	313 Main Street Beacon NY 12508	$65,644	ADA-compliant, energy-efficient airlock entry; men's, women's, and staff rest rooms; and a small storage room.
			Mid-Hudson Library System	105 Market Street Poughkeepsie NY 12601-4028	$44,139	Auditorium energy efficient HVAC improvements.
			Greater Poughkeepsie Library District (Boardman Road Branch Library)	141 Boardman Road Poughkeepsie NY 12603	$93,671	Construction of Boardman Road Branch Library of the Poughkeepsie Public Library District.