Senator Ryan Announces Over $400,000 in State Funding for Local Libraries
December 17, 2025
Funding will support capital projects at six libraries in Senate District 50
State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) announced that six libraries in Senate District 50 have been allocated a total of $450,331 in state aid for library construction funds. The libraries and projects funded include:
- Central Square Library: $174,795 to purchase land and demolish an existing building on the lot in preparation for a future addition and expanded parking lot
- Fulton Public Library: $47,207 to replace 53 interior vinyl windows
- Hannibal Free Library: $15,128 to replace the roof and ceiling in an upstairs handicap accessible restroom
- Fairmount Community Library: $94,948 to transform a currently unfinished basement into a functioning staff workroom and break room
- Maxwell Memorial Library: $108,000 to renovate the main entrance and back hallway, and to install a drip strip, high efficiency boiler, and offset lighting, as well as replace basement windows
- Northern Onondaga Public Library: $10,253 to install a walkway railing and upgrade outdoor light fixtures to LED
“Our local libraries are cornerstones of our communities. They’re places where people of all ages can learn, connect and access the resources they need to succeed,” said Senator Ryan. “This funding is about making sure our libraries are accessible and modern so they can continue serving the communities they are a part of for generations to come. I’m proud to deliver this investment for communities across Senate District 50 and to stand with our librarians who do so much for our neighbors every day.”
The funds are from $44 million in capital funds for public library construction and broadband infrastructure projects provided in the FY 2024-25 State Budget. Project activities and expenditures eligible for funding from the State Aid for Library Construction Program include financing construction of new library buildings, construction of additions to existing buildings, and the renovation and/or rehabilitation of existing space.
Over a third of the 1,000+ public library buildings across the state are over 100 years old; over three quarters are at least 40 years old. Many of New York’s local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are energy inefficient, and cannot provide internet or access to computers and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring. Many do not have sufficient space to house the library’s ever-expanding collection, address the need for adequate meeting spaces, or to provide public access to computers.
Projects awarded as part of the FY 2025-26 State Budget allocation will be announced in Summer 2026.