Albany, NY – With patronage up dramatically since its renovations, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – 57th District), recently toured the Livonia Public Library to view the transformation. Senator Young secured $350,000 in state funding for the expansion and improvements which included a redesigned children’s library, a community event space, new public use computers and an outdoor reading garden. 

The public has responded enthusiastically to the new library with visits to the library up 42 percent over the same time last year, and applications for library cards up 500 percent, reported Library Director Frank Sykes. 

“The Livonia Library has been transformed into a beautiful, expansive and functional facility that has quickly become a thriving community hub and indispensable resource, not only for book borrowing, but for digital access and learning, research, cultural events, children’s programming and more,” said Senator Young.  “With a 42 percent increase in visitors, it is clear that local residents have embraced the new library and all the additional opportunities the expansion has made possible. As it celebrates its 100th anniversary, this beloved landmark has new life and is ready to serve this community for generations to come.” 

The renovation and expansion project added more than 7,000 square feet to the library’s original 2,400-square-foot building and included extensive renovations to the existing space. Since reopening, the library has been able to expand valuable resources and programs that were limited by space constraints in the past, including its children’s Story Time hours; after-school Makerspace programs; free community seminars and lectures, public use computers and more, with additional new programs currently in development.  

Library Director Frank Sykes said, “It’s a vibrant community center in the truest sense. It’s a place that contains untapped ideas, conversations not yet had, relationships not yet made. It is a library full of opportunities and potential. We are grateful to Senator Young for helping us realize our vision and for her unparalleled dedication to the people in this community. We are fortunate to have such a determined advocate. "