NYS Education Department: $34M Awarded For 197 Public Library Construction Projects, 4 in Saratoga
ALBANY — The New York State Education Department awarded $34 million to 197 public libraries and systems statewide to support construction and renovation projects, Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced week.
The funds help libraries construct new buildings, update electrical wiring and computer technology, improve broadband infrastructure, meet energy efficiency standards, renovate facilities to provide greater accessibility, and provide meeting spaces to accommodate community needs.
Four libraries in Saratoga County made the list, including the Southern Adirondack Library System, located on Whitney Place in Saratoga Springs – awarded $38,133 for improved Broadband WIFI access in Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren and Washington County libraries. Other awardees included the public libraries in Clifton Park-Halfmoon ($300,848), Waterford ($220,025), and Stillwater ($134,775).
“Libraries are essential and unique community hubs, providing face-to-face and online services to their patrons for free. They are wonderful gathering places for multiple generations, regardless of socioeconomic status, to come together, under one roof, and access a variety of educational resources,” said NYS Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, Chair of the Libraries and Education Technology Committee.
“Thanks to this construction funding, new rooftops and other infrastructure improvements will be made without burdening taxpayers. I am especially thankful that a number of libraries in my 113th Assembly District have been awarded funding from the State Educational Department.”
Construction funds are allocated to New York State’s 23 public library systems based on formulas in Education Law. Member libraries apply for the State funds allocated to their public library system. Each library system’s governing Board of Trustees then prioritizes the projects and sends approved project applications with recommended project awards to the New York State Library.