Cheektowaga, NY – Today, Assemblymember Monica Wallace and Senator Tim Kennedy announced $116,483 in state funding for capital improvements at Julia Boyer Reinstein Library. This funding will be used toward the replacement of a major portion of the library’s aging heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit, and toward the replacement of the library’s doors.

“Whether it is exploring new literature, providing much-needed access to computers, or assisting residents with searching for employment, the impact that libraries have on our communities is immeasurable,” said Assemblymember Monica Wallace. “It is critical that libraries have the funding they need to make updates and repairs to continue providing important services. I firmly believe that investments in libraries are investments in the future of our community, which is why I will continue to support funding for projects like this in the Assembly.”

“A strong library not only leads to a stronger workforce, but it serves as a gathering place to help keep our communities unified and vibrant,” said Senator Tim Kennedy. “By investing in our public libraries, New York is investing in future generations, and I know this much needed funding will go a long way at Julia Boyer Reinstein Public Library.”

“I would like to profusely thank Assemblymember Wallace and Senator Kennedy for helping to not only maintain this much needed grant funding, but for significantly increasing the funds available this year via this grant for library related construction projects,” said Glenn Luba, director of Cheektowaga Public Libraries. “The construction grant funding is a tremendous assistance to libraries, allowing us to be able to make our spaces more efficient, accessible, and inviting for our communities.”

With this funding, the library will replace six exterior wood/glass doors; replace the main air handling unit’s cooling coil and exterior condensing unit, making the HVAC system more efficient and making use of climate-friendly refrigerants; and modify the meeting room air handling unit to better handle the excess humidity conditions within the meeting room. This project, along with others across the state, is supported by a $24 million allocation in the 2017 state budget for construction and renovation of public libraries.

The Julia Boyer Reinstein Library opened in February 1996. Last year, the library served more than 238,287 patrons. The library has begun work to replace the doors, and the new HVAC equipment is expected to be installed by Labor Day.