Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced that he helped secure over $44,000 in grant funding for public libraries in the 127th State Assembly District. The funds will allow for vital renovation and repairs to libraries in Manlius, Brewerton and North Syracuse.

“Our local libraries are places to learn and come together with other members of the community,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “This funding will allow our libraries to continue offering essential programs and reading materials to our families.”

The grant funding will be used to make needed repairs and renovations, as well as improve energy efficiency. The money will come from a $14 million capital fund appropriation included as part of the 2014-15 state budget which Stirpe helped pass.

The funds include:

• $24,763 for Manlius Library, which will be used to renovate the quiet reading room;
• $14,775 for Northern Onondaga Public Library at North Syracuse, to replace and repoint deteriorating brickwork; and
• $4,575 for Northern Onondaga Public Library at Brewerton to make energy efficient upgrades to the lobby and add LED lighting fixtures.

Nearly 50 percent of the 1,000 public library buildings in New York State are over 60 years old and an additional 30 percent are over 30 years old. Library construction grants allow local library systems to build new libraries, make necessary repairs and upgrade energy efficiency in order to better serve the community. Moreover, the grants provide vital funding to update library buildings to accommodate the needs of community members and help to increase accessibility to users with disabilities.¹

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