Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (R, C, I – Greenwood Lake) is pleased to announce the New York State Library has awarded a $12,987 construction grant to the Albert Wisner Public Library in Warwick. The grant will be used to help improve safety at the library’s entry and exit, through parking areas, and create disabled parking spaces adjacent to the building.
“As an avid reader myself, I know how important our libraries are; however, they offer much more than reading programs and book-borrowing. Our libraries are great resources where residents can attend free informational talks on personal finances, watch free movie screenings, use the Internet or participate in yoga classes or other physical activities,” said the assemblywoman.
Assemblywoman Rabbitt continued, “However, many of our libraries across the state are more than 60 years old and need substantive physical renovations in order to meet the growing needs of the community. That’s why the grants through the New York State Library are so vital.”
Through the 2010 State Budget, $14 million was appropriated to the New York State Library for construction grants at libraries throughout the state. According to the State Library, more than 400 of the 1,000 public library buildings in the state are more than 60 years old and in need of renovation. Another 30 percent are more than three decades old.
Located on McFarland Drive in Warwick, the Albert Wisner Public Library also was awarded a $90,014 construction grant, through the New York State Library, last year. This grant was used for the purchase of new technology including 31 new computers, digital storage, video security, and self check-out stations.
In total, 177 libraries have been awarded funding through this appropriation; however, other local libraries are encouraged to visit the State Library’s website at www.nysl.nysed.gov to learn more about this or other grant programs, and to find helpful resources on how to apply and download applications.