New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced that East Hampton Library, John Jermain Memorial Library, Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library, and Shelter Island Public Library are recipients of $724,655 in New York State Public Library Construction Grants.

Grant recipients include:

East Hampton Library in East Hampton ($342,262) - construct the new Children’s Addition Project.

John Jermain Memorial Library in Sag Harbor ($227,041) - restore the 101-year old Library.

Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library in Shirley ($63,762) - install energy efficient boiler.

Shelter Island Public Library on Shelter Island ($91,590) - improve the efficiency, accessibility, and safety of the Library.

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 $2.2 billion. More than 48% 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are energy inefficient, cannot provide Internet and computer and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring, and do not have sufficient space to house the library’s expanding collection, address the need for adequate meeting room, or provide for public access computers.

Project activities and expenditures eligible for grants from the $14 million Public Library Construction Grant Program include financing construction of new library buildings, construction of additions to existing buildings, and the renovation and/or rehabilitation of existing space, including roof replacement, purchase and installation of alternative energy resources and new HVAC systems, windows, doors, and lighting systems, electrical upgrades, and construction of new or replacement of old walkways and parking lots, among other things. New furniture, shelving and equipment, including computer equipment, can be purchased for new or newly reconfigured or renovated space. Renovations designed to provide accessibility for patrons with disabilities is a high priority.

Assemblyman Thiele stated, “With libraries now experiencing remarkable increases in use, and with budget cuts creating significant hardship, I am thrilled that so many of my constituents will benefit from increased Library resources made possible through these State funds.”