Eastchester, NY – Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale) and State Senator Shelley Mayer (D-Yonkers) celebrated the news that the Bronxville Public Library, Eastchester Public Library, and Tuckahoe Public Library had each received Library Construction Grants to support their ongoing renovation and construction projects.

“Our public libraries are central community hubs for our neighborhoods, and critical for promoting a lifelong love of learning,” said Assemblymember Amy Paulin. “These renovation grants to the libraries within my district will go a long way to promote accessibility for seniors and the disabled or promoting energy efficiency, making our libraries more response to the needs of our residents and the demands of the 21^st century.”

“I am so pleased that the legislature allocated funding to support local libraries' investments in their infrastructure, allowing for increased accessibility for patrons and energy efficiency,” said Senator Shelley Mayer, Chair of the Senate Education Committee. “In each community throughout my district, libraries provide local residents gathering spaces for civic life and programming for residents of all ages. It is essential that we continue to invest in these critical community resources.”

Library Construction Grants are jointly administered by the New York State Library and the New York State Education Department. In the FY2018/2019 State Budget, a $34 million capital fund appropriation was established to serve the construction and renovation needs of the public libraries and public library systems throughout New York State. Grants were awarded to 251 libraries, including:

• The Bronxville Public Library, which will receive $14,287 to replace the fan coil unit currently in use.
• Eastchester Public Library, which will receive $15,805 to upgrade the existing elevator.
• Tuckahoe Public Library, which will receive $38,500 to replace its HVAC system.

“The library is the institution which is most direct and universal in its appeal,” said Bronxville Public Library Director Gregory Wirszyla. “All ages and classes look to it for pleasure and profit, and everyone takes pride and personal interest in it development. We’re grateful to receive this Library Construction Grant.”

“We are so grateful to Assemblywoman Paulin, Senator Mayer, and the New York State Legislature for their continued support of the New York State Library Construction Grant Program,” said Eastchester Public Library Director Tracy Wright. “Funds from this award allow us to fulfill our mission of offering equal access to all library users by upgrading the library elevator so that those who otherwise have difficulty reaching our main floor can take full advantage of all the library has to offer.”

“The Tuckahoe Public Library board, Director, Staff, Patrons and I are grateful for the support we have received from Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and Senator Shelley Mayer,” said Tuckahoe Public Library Board President Ginger Crosby. “Their support has enabled the library to be a recipient of a NYS Library Construction grant. This necessary funding of $38,500 will enable the village to replace the energy efficient chiller in the existing HVAC unit in the building. Without their support this wouldn’t have happened. Thank you for being library advocates and for helping the Tuckahoe Public Library.”