Local libraries to use funds for improvements
Sen. Sue Serino (Hyde Park) announced Aug. 11 that area libraries will be able to take on critical revitalization projects thanks to the over $270,000 earmarked for public library construction funds in the 41st Senate District.
“Having met with countless constituents who use and work at our libraries, I know that there is an urgent need for important renovations to help meet the growing demand and these grants will help meet those needs without putting an additional strain on the local taxpayers,” said Serino.
The funding comes from the $14 million in capital funds allocated for public library construction in the 2014–15 state budget and will go toward projects that increase access to libraries, improve energy efficiency and transform unused space. Serino announced earlier this year that she secured an additional $80,000 that was allocated to each library district based on population.
Among the 41st Senate District libraries awarded public library construction funding are the Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library in Cold Spring ($24,566 for revitalization of unused space for the Children’s Room and replacement of windows, doors and lighting to improve energy efficiency); the Howland Public Library in Beacon ($65,644 for energy-efficient airlock entry and improvements to restrooms and a storage room); and the Putnam Valley Free Library in Putnam Valley ($44,168 to replace the vehicular bridge over Oscawana Brook and stream-bank stabilization to preserve the library’s foundation). Additionally, the Greater Poughkeepsie Library District was awarded over $90,000 to help construct its new Boardman Road Branch.
For more information, visit nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/info.
