ONEONTA, 05/10/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced that community libraries throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of nearly $1.1 million in public library construction grant funds.
"Our libraries are vital to our communities, especially in these tough economic times" Seward said. “Libraries are also some of the most historic landmarks we have and are in need of repairs and upgrades to ensure their future viability and accessibility.”
Public library construction grants help local libraries and library systems to build new libraries, create additions, update electrical wiring to accommodate computer technology, meet standards of energy efficiency, renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, and provide meeting rooms to accommodate community needs.
“Internet use has skyrocketed at libraries as many people search for jobs, look up their family tree, or strive for self improvement. In many areas libraries are the community centers, and hubs for countless civic activities,” Seward added.
“Assisting libraries with state funds takes the burden off local taxpayers, while ensuring communities receive much needed services,” Seward concluded.
The grants are from $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2010 state budget.
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Complete listing of individual grant awards throughout 51st senatorial district:
Chenango County
Sherburne Public Library…………………….$106,456
Cortland County
Cortland Free Library……………………….$156,379
Greene County
Cairo Public Library…………………………$167,544
Catskill Public Library……………………….$23,000
Haines Falls Free Library……………………$100,000
Herkimer County
Ilion Free Public Library……….……………..$45,237
Little Falls Public Library……………………..$279,182
Weller Library (Mohawk)……………………$21,821
Tompkins County
Southworth Library Assoc. (Dryden)…......….$200,000
