Helming Supports More Funding for Rural, Economically Distressed Libraries

Senator Pam Helming today announced that legislation she supported which would allow certain libraries to receive state aid for up to 90% of approved total project costs, was signed into law.    

“Our local libraries offer so many services and programs for people of all ages, abilities and interests. Especially in rural areas of Upstate New York, local libraries are the hub of our communities. Where there are libraries in the Wayne-Finger Lakes Region that still do not have broadband, this legislation is more important now than ever. We must provide our libraries with the resources they need to grow their services and upgrade their infrastructure.  I am proud to stand both with the libraries I represent and all libraries throughout our state,” Senator Helming said.            

S.5589 lowers the matching threshold for public libraries from certain current matches of 50% and 75%  to 10% for construction, renovation or rehabilitation projects. This allows for libraries to more easily apply for and receive funding from the New York State Public Library Construction Grant program.