State officials announce aid for public libraries
CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. >> Numerous libraries across the Capital Region recently received state aid for construction funds.
In Rensselaer County, State Sen. Daphne Jordan, R-Halfmoon, announced that she helped secure $8,863 for Brunswick Community Library for a door replacement and other interior renovations. The Castleton Public Library will receive $21,481 for a door replacement and other interior renovations. The Cheney Library in Hoosick Falls is set to receive $44,060 for the creation of new meeting and programming spaces. The East Greenbush Community Library will receive $59,268 for a heat pump replacement and lighting upgrades. The Grafton Community Library will get $41,265 for interior and exterior renovations and the Nassau Free Library will receive $8,786 for interior and exterior renovations.
Assemblyman John McDonald III, D-Cohoes, also secured state aid for libraries throughout Albany and Rensselaer counties. The Troy Public Library will receive $208,391 for exterior renovations. McDonald said the Cohoes Public Library will receive $44,945 for an air conditioner replacement. The Watervliet Public Library will receive $19,012 for exterior LED.
In Saratoga County, Jordan said she also secured $315,465 for mechanical system upgrades at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, R-Ballston, said the Galway Public Library will be awarded $311,804 for exterior and interior construction.
The state officials said they were glad to be able to help secure funding for libraries in their districts.
“Even with our increasing reliance on technology, libraries are more relevant than ever, and are so much more than books on a shelf. Libraries have always been the ‘great equalizer,’ allowing people of all means to enjoy the same chance to further their education or to simply lose themselves in a good book,” said Walsh. “New York’s public libraries have desperately needed renovation and upgrading. I am proud that two libraries The Troy Public Library. in our district are receiving funding for renovations.”
McDonald said, “The State Aid for Library Construction Program provides resources to our libraries that allows for construction of new library buildings, construction of additions to existing buildings, and the renovation and/or rehabilitation of existing space. These investments are of tremendous value to the cities that I represent, and we all know how important libraries are to our communities.”
“As a lifelong, strong supporter of our excellent public libraries, I’m proud to announce the availability of this state funding that will help local libraries across the 43rd Senate District continue serving families. Libraries are vital educational, cultural and community resources and I’ll continue advocating for library funding and even stronger libraries,” Jordan added.