Public Libraries in Cayuga and Onondaga Counties have received over $500,000 to enhance safety, accessibility, and comfort.
State Senator Rachel May announced on Monday that eight libraries in the 48th State Senate District have received a combined total of $689,700 to perform a variety of projects construction, parking lot repairs, and replacing signage and lighting. Senator May said the funds will ensure the libraries remain valuable community resources for years to come.
“To best serve residents in the 48th District, our libraries should be safe, secure, and accessible while offering the latest technology. The over half million dollars in construction funds for public libraries in the 48th District will help ensure everyone has the best possible experience while looking for the latest popular novel, researching, or quietly studying. Thank you to Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the Senate Majority for ensuring our library system, a critical community resource, continues well into the future.”
According to Senator May, more than half of the over 1,000 public library buildings in the state are over 60 years old. This means they can’t accommodate those with disabilities and may lack such features as the internet or other technologies.
Below is a list of awardees and what projects the money will go to.
Aurora Free Library
370 Main Street Aurora, NY 13026
Amount: $53,280
Project: Cooling for 2nd floor Morgan Opera House.
Cooling coils added to existing ductwork in the
basement.
Hazard Library Association
2978 State Route 34B Aurora, NY 13026
Amount: $450,000
Project: Hazard Library seeks to relocate and construct a new addition to the Howland Stone Store Museum “Opendore.”
Port Byron Library
12 Sponable Drive Port Byron, NY 13140
Amount: $6,775
Project: The PB Library will replace outdated lighting and the damaged exterior sign and add a bookcase.
Weedsport Free Library
2795 East Brutus St Weedsport, NY 13166
Amount: $24,938
Project: Refurbish the rear parking lot to allow easy access for staff and patrons.
Lafayette Public Library
2577 US Route 11 North LaFayette, NY 13084
Amount: $65,909
Project: Improving facility accessibility with ADA-compliant doors and more visible and functional permanent signage.
Betts Branch Library
4862 S. Salina Street Syracuse, NY 13205
Amount: $35,012
Project: The parking lot will be repaved.
Soule Branch Library
101 Springfield Road Syracuse, NY13214
Amount: $38,767
Project: The public and staff parking lots will be repaved.
Tully Free Library
12 State St Tully, NY 13159
Amount: $15,019
Project: The library’s driveway and parking lot will be paved (mill and replace existing asphalt) and lines painted.
The money for the projects comes from $34 million in capital grant funds included in the FY2023-2024 State Budget for public library construction and broadband infrastructure projects.
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