Over $350K awarded to North Country libraries

SARANAC LAKE | Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) has announced that Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System (CEFLS) and Saranac Lake Free Library have been chosen to receive state in library construction funds. CEFLS was awarded $258,288 to complete the replacement of their roof and Saranac Lake Free Library was awarded $95,341 for hybrid meeting capabilities, appropriate air conditioning to address accessibility, and LED lights to increase energy efficiency. "Congrats to Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library Systems and the Saranac Lake Free Library for receiving a state aid for library construction funds," said Jones. "Libraries are such an important part of our communities and provide so many resources beyond books. I am proud to support this funding in the state budget and will continue to push for more funding to support North Country libraries." Steve Kenworthy, director of CEFLS, said "We are very pleased to receive this much-needed funding for updating and remodeling our rural libraries. This will allow our libraries to continue to give first-rate library services to the residents of Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties." "Library construction aid provided by the state of New York is invaluable to CEFLS because it allows our member libraries to stay open," said Tom Mandeville, President of the CEFLS Board of Trustees. "Without it, many local libraries would not be able to afford the upgrades needed to prevent them from closing their doors. Many do not realize how vital this funding is to our local libraries and I want to thank Assemblyman Jones for supporting this funding every year." The funds are from $34 million in capital funds for public library construction and broadband infrastructure projects provided in the FY2023-2024 State Budget. New York's public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading. A recent survey showed a documented need for public library construction and renovation projects totaling more than $1.75 billion. More than half of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Another third are more than three decades old. Many of New York's local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are energy inefficient, cannot provide Internet and computer and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring.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 provide for public access computers. 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. Projects may include roof replacement, purchase and installation of alternative energy resources, new HVAC systems, windows, doors, lighting systems, electrical upgrades, EV charging stations, standby generators, and new construction or replacement of parking lots. Broadband infrastructure projects are also eligible. New furniture, shelving, and equipment, including computer equipment, may be purchased for new or newly reconfigured or renovated space. Renovations designed to provide accessibility for patrons with disabilities are a high priority. In the FY2024-2025 State Budget, the Legislature provided $44 million for projects that will be announced in the Summer of 2025. This increase of $10 million, from the previous fiscal year, recognizes the continued need for support for libraries statewide to provide vital services to New Yorkers.

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Over $350K awarded to North Country libraries

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