Assemblymember Anthony Brindisi Announces Over $170K to Go to Mohawk Valley Libraries

May 8, 2012

Assemblymember Anthony J. Brindisi (D-Utica) announced that Mohawk Valley libraries will be receiving $170,000 in construction grants. The money will support a number of projects at area libraries including construction of a new teen services center at the Jervis Public Library.

"At no cost, libraries provide our families with great educational and recreational services," said Brindisi. "I saw the positive effects their programs have on children during my time on the Utica School Board. This money will allow our libraries to update their facilities and continue to provide valuable resources to our community."

The Jervis Public Library will receive the largest grant at $134,000. The money will be used to construct a new teen center, increase energy conservation methods and install a new security system, expanding service and safety at the library.

"Libraries are an integral part of our community and provide an incredible wealth of information through books, computers and knowledgeable staff," Assemblymember Brindisi said. "Free services like Internet access and resume help are invaluable to job seekers, especially at a time when many in the area can’t afford them on their own. I will continue fighting to make sure these valuable services remain available to our community and our libraries get the funding they need."

In addition to the Jervis Public Library, the Mid-York Library in Utica will receive over $22,000 and the Dunham Public Library will receive over $13,000.

Lisa Matte, Director of Jervis Public Library said, "With this grant, we are pleased to continue Jervis' conservation efforts, embarking on stage two of a lighting conversion, which will reduce electricity use significantly. Because lighting can be up to 40% of a building's energy costs, this will have a positive impact on the environment and on the library's expenses. In addition, this grant provides partial funding for construction of a teen services area within the library. Demand for services to teens continues to grow with reading, research, and volunteering by teens increasing at Jervis each year. This grant will allow us to better serve teens by concentrating the many materials of interest to them in one area. We anticipate conclusion of the lighting project this fall. Construction of the new area for teens will begin in 2013, allowing time for preparation of the area to be used for teens. In difficult economic times, library usage increases while libraries' resources diminish. Without this grant, which was matched in part by a grant from the New York Power Authority, neither of these highly anticipated projects would be possible."

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