Our public libraries are a center of activity for many of the small towns and villages in our listening area.  And now many of them will be getting a little extra boost.

State Senator Peter Oberacker (R/C-Schenevus) has announced that community libraries throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of nearly $300,000 in public library construction grant funds.

“Our libraries are vital educational resources while also serving as community gathering places,” said Senator Peter Oberacker. “In many of the towns and villages that I represent, the local library hosts public meetings, delivers key services to residents young and old, and is the most recognizable building in the community.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, our local library administrators and volunteers have faced new challenges and developed creative solutions to continue to safely serve the public.  Libraries are historic landmarks in many cases and technology and accessibility upgrades can be costly.  The state construction aid will help as communities make needed improvements to meet new and evolving needs,” added Senator Oberacker.

 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 spaces.  Renovations designed to provide accessibility for those with disabilities are a high priority.  Broadband infrastructure projects are also eligible

Here is a list of some area libraries benefitting from these grants;

Library NameAddressAmountProject DescriptionCounty
Edmeston Free Library26 East Street, Edmeston, NY 13335$92,532.00First floor ADA compliant bathroom installation, second floor bathroom renovation, and installation of wheelchair lift servicing two floors.Otsego
Kinney Memorial Library3140 Co Hwy 11, Hartwick, NY 13348$9,000.00This project consists of replacing the asphalt shingle roof on a portion of the library with new material.Otsego
Richfield Springs Public Library102 Main St, PO Box 1650 Richfield Springs, NY 13439$28,819.00The Richfield Springs Public Library would like to have the windows replaced in order to save on fuel, and preservation of the collection.Otsego
Sidney Memorial Public Library8 River Street, Sidney, NY 13838$32,887.00This project is to renovate the library's parking lot, which has not been overhauled in over 15 years.Delaware
Frank J Basloe Public Library245 No Main Street, Herkimer, NY 13350$97,581.00Build a new Children's Room in the main lobby. Convert current Children's Room into a quiet research/study area. Build a new storage closet.Herkimer
Jordanville Public Library189 Main St. P.O. Box 44, Jordanville, NY 13361$30,458.00Renovation of walls,ceiling and floors in current "History Room", former restroom and hall. Update electric and lighting.Build safe storage.Drill wellHerkimer

 

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