Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter (D-Syracuse) announced that the state Education Department has released more than $126,000 in funding, which was secured in the 2018-19 state budget, for libraries in the Onondaga County Public Library system to complete construction and renovation projects.

“As community hubs that offer a vast range of services, libraries are one of the most crucial resources we have,” Hunter said. “They not only foster a love of reading in our kids, they also offer adult literacy courses, help with job searches and provide access to the internet. This funding will help Central New York libraries with important renovations so they can continue serving our communities for years to come.”

The funding includes $66,657 for the Salina Free Library to renovate the children’s space and create a new teen space and $41,250 for the Onondaga Free Library to upgrade its parking lot and driveway. Additionally, the Onondaga County Public Library’s Mundy branch will receive $13,739 to install ADA-compliant entrance doors and the Liverpool Public Library will receive $5,100 to upgrade security and access control.

To build on this funding, Hunter supported a 2019-20 state budget that allocates $96.6 million for public libraries. Since many New Yorkers rely on the library for internet access, more support for our libraries is critical to ensure every resident is counted in the 2020 census, which will rely heavily on online forms, Hunter noted.