Senator Kevin Thomas Announces $948K in State Aid to Help Local Libraries Make Needed Upgrades

(Garden City, NY) — New York State Senator Kevin Thomas announced today that six libraries in the 6th Senate District have been awarded a total of $948,221 in state aid for infrastructure and construction upgrades. Bethpage Public Library, East Meadow Public Library, Island Trees Public Library, Levittown Public Library, Plainedge Public Library, and the Nassau Library System in Uniondale have been awarded funding through the State Aid for Library Construction program to be used for various renovation, upgrading, and expansion projects. 

“Our public libraries are an essential resource, and they are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading to meet the increasing needs of the children, adults, and families they serve every day,” said Senator Thomas.  “Now more than ever, we need to invest in our public libraries and ensure they have the resources they need to continue providing critical services to Long Islanders. I am pleased to have helped secure these funds, which are not just investments in our libraries, but investments in our communities.”

The libraries receiving funding in Senator Thomas’ district are as follows:

Bethpage Public Library - $238,420 to reconfigure the library’s layout and create a new room for Young Adults. 

East Meadow Public Library - $314,468 to upgrade firewall and HVAC system. 

Island Trees Public Library - $40,556 to install network cabling for future technology expansion. 

Levittown Public Library - $314,468 to renovate a large meeting room, two entrances, six restrooms, ADA ramps, and replace windows. 

Plainedge Public Library - $4,545 to reconstruct masonry work on two emergency exits. 

Nassau Library System in Uniondale - $35,764 to install new security cameras, flooring, and front doors. 

The funding is awarded through a $34 million capital fund appropriation in the 2019-2020 State Budget for construction and renovation of public libraries and public library systems in New York State. A complete list of funded projects is available on the State Library’s website, nysl.nysed.gov.