Local Libraries Receive State Grants
Jeff Bishop, Communications Director
August 5, 2018
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ISSUE:
- public libraries
- Broadband
ONEONTA, 08/05/18 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref-Oneonta) today announced that community libraries throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of nearly $655,000 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 $24 million in capital funds for public library construction and broadband infrastructure projects provided in the 2017-18 state budget. Senator Seward strongly advocated for the funding which represents a $5 million dollar increase from the previous year. In the recently adopted 2018-19 state budget, Senator Seward helped secure a $10 million increase, bringing the total available for library capital projects next year to $34 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:
Cayuga |
Powers Library Association |
29 Church Street, Moravia, NY 13118 |
$40,701.00 |
Rehabilitate library including lead abatement and foundation restoration. |
Chenango |
South New Berlin Free Library |
3320 State Highway 8, South New Berlin, NY 13843 |
$9,472.00 |
Renovation/installation of electrical, heating and chair lift. |
Delaware |
Andes Public Library |
242 Main Street, Andes, NY 13731 |
$86,458.00 |
ADA renovations including children's space and bathrooms. |
Otsego |
Edmeston Free Library |
26 East Street, Edmeston, NY 13335 |
$75,610.00 |
Phase 1 : exterior and structural renovations to donated building. |
Worcester Free Library |
170 Main Street, Worcester, NY 12197 |
$92,388.00 |
Mechanicals and interior finishes.
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Kinney Memorial Library |
3140 Co Hwy 11, Hartwick, NY 13348 |
$10,509.00 |
Paving parking lot and driveway. |
Herkimer |
Frank J Basloe Public Library |
245 N Main St, Herkimer, NY 13350 |
$58,628.00 |
Interior renovations. |
Frankfort Free Library |
123 S Frankfort St, Frankfort, NY 13340 |
$86,715.00 |
Add accessibility features to main entrance. |
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Little Falls Public Library |
10 Waverly Place, Little Falls, NY 13365 |
$5,600.00 |
Replace stairs and section of concrete sidewalk. |
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Schoharie |
Sharon Springs Free Library |
129 Main St, Sharon Springs, NY 13459 |
$3,768.00 |
Replace smoke alarms, CO detector and fire communication system. |
The Community Library |
110 Union St, Cobleskill, NY 12043 |
$34,400.00 |
Exterior accessibility features for public entrance, sidewalk and parking. |
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Tompkins |
Groton Public Library |
112 East Cortland Street, Groton, NY 13073 |
$125,000.00 |
Phase 1 of new addition includes earth work and basement. |
Ulster |
Olive Free Library Association |
4033 Route 28A, West Shokan, NY 12494 |
$25,268.00 |
Upgrade elevator, build machine room, other interior renovations. |
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