Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell Announces Construction Grant Awards of nearly $100,000 to 4 North Country Libraries

Watertown, NY - Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell announced that the Hay Memorial Library in Sackets Harbor, the Hepburn Library in Norfolk, the Massena Public Library, and the Ogdensburg Library have been awarded public library construction grant funds.   The Hay Memorial Library will receive $13,624 to improve handicap accessibility and parking lot safety and drainage issues.  Hepburn Library will receive $2,650 to rehabilitate the front steps of the library, the Massena Public Library will receive $29,950 to rehabilitate the chimney and address ventilation and drainage issues, and the Ogdensburg Library will receive $52,710 to rehabilitate the windows of the library to conserve energy.

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 $2.53 billion.  More than 40% of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Another 30% are more than three decades old.  Many of New York’s local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are not energy efficient, cannot provide internet, computer and other electronic technologies and do not have adequate meeting room space.

The grant funds are from $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2011 State Budget.  

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