Seward Announces $700k for Local Libraries

ONEONTA, 05/31/17 – 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 nearly $700,000 in public library construction grant funds.

"Our libraries are significant educational resources that also serve as community hubs," Seward said. “In many towns and villages, the local library is also a historic landmark in need of costly technological and accessibility upgrades that must be accomplished while still maintaining the building’s traditional character.”

The grants are from $19 million in capital funds for public library construction and broadband infrastructure projects provided in the 2016-17 state budget.   Senator Seward strongly advocated for the funding which represents a $5 million dollar increase from the previous year.  In the recently adopted 2017-18 state budget, Senator Seward helped secure another $5 million increase, bringing the total available for library capital projects next year to $24 million.

“Libraries have evolved a great deal over the years to continue to meet community needs, especially in the rural areas I represent.  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.  The library is also a gathering place where a vast array of education programs and other events are always available,” Seward added.

Public library construction grants help local libraries and library systems to construct new library buildings, create additions to existing structures, 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.  Renovations designed to provide accessibility for those with disabilities are a high priority.  Broadband infrastructure projects are also eligible

New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading.  A recent survey showed a documented need for public library construction and renovation projects totaling more than $1.7 billion.  More than 51 percent of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Another 33 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.

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Complete listing of individual grant awards throughout Senator Seward’s district: