Senator Mayer & Assemblyman Buchwald Announce Grants to Improve Harrison and North Castle Libraries

State Assemblyman David Buchwald and Senator Shelley Mayer announced that New York State library construction grants are being awarded for building improvements that will support innovative new programs at libraries in the Towns of Harrison and North Castle.

The North Castle Public Library in Armonk will receive over $135,000 to create new and expanded areas for children and adults while also creating space for an art gallery.

The Harrison Public Library will receive nearly $37,000 to support the construction of an outdoor reading and children’s activities space.

“These grants support library programs that equip children and young adults with lifelong learning and literacy skills,” said Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester). “I’m pleased our libraries continue to develop new facilities and programs that enrich our communities.”

Since Assemblyman Buchwald’s election to the State Assembly, libraries in the 93rd Assembly district have received over $1M for building renovations and upgrades.

“I am thrilled that we were able to obtain these additional funds for the Harrison Public Library and the North Castle Public Library allowing them to expand the critical services they provide for the community,” said State Senator Shelley Mayer (D-Westchester). “Before my election to the Assembly, I served as a Trustee on the Board of the Yonkers Public Library. Public libraries are centerpieces of our communities in Westchester and throughout the state providing programing for children, seniors, and families. I will continue to advocate for more funding and resources for our libraries.”

“The North Castle Public Library is thrilled to receive this library construction grant which enables us to renovate spaces dedicated to support our library’s programs for children, young adults and adults,” said North Castle Public Library Board President Sean Ryan. "The new adult space will also serve as an art gallery and has been dedicated to the Friends of the North Castle Public Library. We appreciate the support of David Buchwald and Shelley Mayer in making this grant possible and for their hard work in growing the Library Construction Grant Program. Their support allows libraries to transform to meet current and future needs of our patrons.”

LoAn Austin, President of the Harrison Public Library Board of Trustees said, “This grant will make possible the creation of a new outdoor Reading Garden, which will invite readers and learners of all ages to read, reflect, and gather in a lovely natural setting. The planned space will include an outdoor classroom area, reading benches, picnic tables, sensory area, and walking path. Diverse plantings will provide beauty, shade, and educational opportunities. We thank New York State Assemblyman David Buchwald and State Senator Shelley Mayer for their generous support of the Harrison Public Library and the community we serve.”

These construction grants are from $24 million in capital funds for public library construction and broadband infrastructure projects provided in the 2017-2018 state budget.