Murphy announces library grants for renovations

ALBANY, NY - Libraries are important to the overall quality of life in our communities. They are places to explore, discover and engage. To help enhance their services, Senator Terrence Murphy is pleased to announce that four libraries in the 40th Senate District have been awarded more than $144,000 in library grants from the State Aid for Library Construction Program.

"Our public libraries are important social institutions that provide education, job search resources and internet access for the community. It is equally important they receive funding to upgrade their facilities," Senator Murphy said. "These renovations will increase accessibility for people with disabilities and provide patrons with a more up-to-date facility."

The four libraries that will receive the funds are:

Reed Memorial Library (Carmel) - Funds will be used to convert the building to natural gas, install a generator and insulate pipes. $6,785
Mount Pleasant Public Library (Pleasantville) - The library plans to renovate 4 public and one staff restroom, bringing them in compliance with ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) regulations. $32,500
Pound Ridge Library (Pound Ridge) - Installation of automatic doors to increase accessibility. $16,600
Somers Library (Somers) - The library plans to completely renovate two public restrooms in order to conform to ADA regulations. $88,725

"We are thrilled to be awarded $6,785 in NYS construction grant funds, said Jeanne Buck, Director of Reed Memorial Library. "This investment in the library's and community's future will conserve energy, reduce heating costs, improve usability of building space and enable the library to more effectively provide service to the community. It is a big project for our library and the construction grant funds as well as the bullet aid are instrumental in making the project a reality."

John Fearon, Director of the Mount Pleasant Library, added, "We are going to concentrate on renovating our rest rooms by making them more user-friendly for the public. These areas are exposed to heat, cold, constant use and a variety of other causes that accelerate deterioration. We want our rest rooms to be safe, compliant and comfortable."

"We are grateful for the role that Senator Murphy played in bringing this construction grant to the Pound Ridge Library," said Mitch Freedman, Interim Director. "The automatic doors will provide enhanced access. It will also simplify the way our vendors can bring in products. It's an important asset for the children and families that use the library."

The funds are from $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2015 State Budget for construction and renovation of public library systems in New York State. The Legislature has earmarked $19 million for projects in the 2016 State Budget that will be announced in Spring 2017.

Many of New York State's public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading. A recent survey showed a need for public library construction and renovation projects totaling more than $2.2 billion. More than 51% of the more than 1,000 public library buildings across New York are over 60 years old. Another 33% are more than 30 years old. Project activities and eligible expenditures for grants from the State Aid for Library Construction Program include financing construction of new library buildings, construction of additions to existing buildings, and the renovation and/or rehabilitation of existing space, including windows, doors, lighting systems, electrical upgrades, sidewalks, computer equipment and furniture. Renovations designed to provide accessibility for patrons with disabilities is a high priority.