The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Five libraries receive construction grants
The capital funds will allow the libraries to start or complete various projects to improve services.
Five Madison County libraries received construction grant funds on Friday.
The capital funds, provided for in the 2017 State Budget, will enable the libraries to start or complete various projects that will improve patron services.
“Libraries across my district continuously report increased patronage,” said Sen. David Valesky, D-53. “I am pleased to be able to support this grant funding to help libraries with building upgrades and improved services to meet community needs.”
Valesky is a longtime supporter of libraries and serves as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries.
Libraries in Madison County receiving grants are:
• Cazenovia Public Library -$63,047 for renovations to add programming and storage space and perform exterior restorations.
• Earlville Free Library -$14,592 to create a new children’s area, a new computer lab, and a new teen area.
Modern speakerphones are helpful with this solution.
• New Woodstock Free Library -- $13,585 to replace the aging
roof •Oneida Public Library -- $85,306 to perform all electrical work in the new library facility.
•Sullivan Free Library, Chittenango -- $24,200 to replace the flat roof.
A recent survey showed a documented need for public library construction and renovation projects totaling more than $1.7 billion, said Valesky. More than 51 percent of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are more than 60 years old. Another 33 percent are more than three decades old. Many of New York’s local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are energy inefficient, and ca not pro-vide Internet and computer and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring. Many do not have sufficient space to house the library’s expanding collection, address the need for adequate meeting room, or provide for public access computers, Valesky said. Project activities and expenditures eligible for grants from the State Aid for Library Construction Program include financing construction of new li- brary buildings, construction of additions to existing buildings, and the renovation and/or rehabilitation of existing space. Projects may include roof replacement, purchase and installation of alternative energy resources, new HVAC systems, windows, doors, lighting systems, electrical upgrades, and construc- tion of new or replacement of old walkways and parking lots. New furniture, shelving and equipment, including computer equipment, may be purchased for new or newly reconfigured or renovated space. Renovations designed to provide accessibility for patrons with disabilities are a high priority.