Local Libraries To Receive Construction Grants from Local Legislators

Three local libraries are going to be getting some upgrades as a result of funding courtesy of Senator Joe Griffo and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi. These construction grants will help with much needed updates.

Senator Griffo says,

Many of the libraries in our region are seeing more use than ever, but at the same time, they are in need of renovations and improvements.  It is important that libraries are accessible to the disabled; have up to date computer technology, and have the space to house their collections, and accommodate large groups of children and other visitors safely.  These grants will allow our libraries to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Assemblyman Brindisi says,

Our region’s libraries are such an important part of our community, and providing them with the resources to make needed improvements to their facilities is a very worthwhile investment. These grants will allow our libraries to make significant improvements that will improve accessibility and safety, and improve parking, energy efficiency, lighting, and other important amenities for their growing number of patrons.

The grants will benefit the Dunham Public Library in Whitesboro, The Mid-York Library System in Utica and The Utica Public Library. The awards, which came from a $19 million capitol improvement appropriation in the 2016 state budget breaks down as follows.

Dunham Public Library - $142,428 to build a parking lot and a foyer foundation, and upgrade lighting fixtures.
Mid-York Library System - $42,570, acquisition of an adjacent property to be used for additional parking.
Utica Public Library - $28,275, replacement of the library’s boiler and burner.

These updates will take a huge burden from the operating costs of those library facilities.