Senator Gallivan Announces State Funding for Library Renovations

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) announced that five public libraries in Erie, Wyoming and Livingston counties have been awarded more than $452,000 in public library construction funds. The funds will enable the libraries to improve and upgrade their existing facilities.

“Libraries play such an important role in our communities by offering free access to books, reading programs, and online resources for people of all ages, but many of the buildings are in need of renovation,” Gallivan said.  “These grants will help upgrade facilities to make them more accessible to library patrons and improve efficiencies.”

The funds are from $19 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2016-17 State Budget.  Local libraries receiving funds include:

• Boston Free Library; $3106 to rehabilitate the interior and exterior of its building located at 9475 Boston State Road.    
• Perry Public Library; $10,807 for replacement of the A/C system.
• Stevens Memorial Library in Attica; $303,233 to make back entrance ADA compliant and improve front entrance and sidewalk.
• Warsaw Public Library; $9,004 to improve access to the elevator and fire alarm control panel. 
• Avon Free Library; $126,737 to renovate the lower level of the building located at 143 Genesee Street to expand its conference room, create a study room and upgrade its children’s     library. 

There are approximately 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York and more than half of them are over 60 years old.  Many are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are energy inefficient and cannot provide Internet and computer technologies because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring.   

Project activities and expenditures eligible 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.

In the 2017-18 State Budget, the Legislature provided $24 million for projects that will be announced in spring 2018.

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