Senator Young Announces Funding for Local Libraries

ALBANY – To ensure that area libraries have the resources to meet the needs and expectations of patrons, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) announced today that every public library in her district will be receiving additional grant funding this year.

Each library in Senator Young’s district will receive an $8,500 grant, as a result of funding she secured in this year’s state budget. The funds will support worthwhile library initiatives and help meet basic operational expenses.

“Libraries are cultural and community hubs. They are resource centers, whether someone is taking out a book, participating in an after-school program or accessing the web to apply for a job. Budget constraints often limit our local libraries’ abilities to make capital improvements, purchase new books and offer expanded programming all at once, which further underscores the significance of these grants,” said Senator Young.

This year’s state budget added $4 million in overall general library aid, bringing the statewide support for libraries to $95 million.

“Our hardworking librarians and library staff facilitate high-quality services. Despite limited budgets and greater demands, they continue to serve with a smile and with passion. The programming and improvements this funding will make possible are exciting, because everyone will have an opportunity to enjoy them,” Senator Young said.

Senator Young also announced that several local libraries have been awarded state funding for construction projects. Libraries in Senator Young’s district will receive $720,963  in state support that will enable them to make necessary repairs and improvements.

Projects in Senator Young’s district receiving support include:

• David A. Howe Public Library (Wellsville): $101,736 -Replacement of a boiler with an energy-efficient unit.
• Essential Club Free Library (Canaseraga): $17,024 - The Young Adult Space Project will renovate the second floor, widen an existing stairway, and install an ADA lift.
• Wide Awake Club Library (Fillmore):  $101,736 - Construction of a new 4500 square foot accessible building to be used as the community library.
• Blount Library (Franklinville): $7,479 Restore stairs, steps, railings and sidewalk.
• Olean Public Library (Olean): $16,646 - Replace lighting and fire & security systems.
• Salamanca Public Library (Salamanca): $256,296 - Interior renovations.
• Chautauqua Patterson Library (Westfield): $56,351 - Install energy-efficient A/C units, upgrade security system, replace roof, & renovate reading and technology rooms.
• Livonia Public Library (Livonia): $147,412 - Install a new HVAC system for the existing building, and add a 5000 square foot addition.
• Mount Morris Library (Mount Morris): $16,283 Replace crumbling concrete steps at front entrance. Install new windows and security cameras.

This year’s state budget included an additional $5 million in library construction money from the Legislature, bringing the statewide library construction fund to $19 million. A recent survey showed a substantial need for public library construction and renovations, with estimated cost statewide totaling more than $2.2 billion. More than 51 percent of state’s public library buildings are over 60 years old, and another 33 percent are more than three decades old.

The construction funding provided in this year’s budget will help many of New York’s local public libraries that are unable to accommodate users with disabilities; are energy inefficient; cannot provide Internet, 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. The funding will also allow local public libraries to address the need for adequate meeting room and provide for public access computers.