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State Senator Griffo Announces Construction
Grants for Two Lewis County Public Libraries
08/21/18 03:00pm
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    Press Release from NYS Senator Joseph Griffo's Office:

    Sen. Griffo announces construction grants for North Country public
    libraries


    State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, announced today that several public
    libraries throughout his district are receiving library construction grant funds. The
    state funding comes from $24 million in capital funds approved for public library
    construction projects in last year’s State Budget.

    The construction grants help libraries and library systems make renovations and
    upgrades, update electrical wiring to accommodate computer technology,
    renovate facilities to provide wheelchair accessible entrances and become fully
    accessible to persons with disabilities and provide community-meeting rooms.

    The following grants were awarded to libraries in Sen. Griffo's district in Lewis
    and St. Lawrence counties:

  • Harrisville Free Library: $22,939 to renovate the basement to create a
    STEAM/Makerspace Lab.

  • Lyons Falls Library: $83,795 to rehabilitate masonry and install signage.

  • Massena Public Library: $38,274 for interior renovations and outdoor
    programming area.

  • Potsdam Public Library: $269,513 for renovations to the interior, including
    a new mezzanine and HVAC upgrade.

    Surveys have estimated that the cost of public library construction and
    renovation needs statewide totals more than $1.7 billion, according to the New
    York State Library, which administers the grants. More than half of the over
    1,000 public library buildings in communities across state are over 60 years old
    and another 33 percent are more than three decades old. Many of these facilities
    are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are energy inefficient and
    cannot provide Internet, computer and other electronic technologies to users
    because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring. Some 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.

    “Our public libraries have evolved over the years into community spaces offering
    a variety of important services and resources to families, seniors and residents,”
    Sen. Griffo said. “However, it might not be financially feasible for many of these
    valuable institutions to undergo needed renovations, upgrades and other
    improvements. This funding will help us to preserve our local libraries for years to
    come.”

    In the 2018-19 State Budget, the Legislature provided $34 million for projects
    that will be announced next summer.