Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) announced that local libraries will receive over $260,000 in construction grants for various renovation projects. The funding, which Woerner helped secure in last year’s state budget, will benefit libraries in Saratoga and Washington counties.

“Our libraries are not only beacons of knowledge and information, they also serve as community gathering places and give us an opportunity to connect, find inspiration, and expand our horizons together,” said Woerner. “This funding will enable local libraries to make much-needed upgrades, become more energy efficient, and improve accessibility to accommodate all patrons.”

The funding secured by Woerner will be used to make necessary renovations and infrastructure upgrades in local libraries, including:

• $72,877 for Saratoga Springs Public Library to replace and upgrade aging HVAC equipment, and upgrade corresponding management software;
• $82,876 for Schuylerville Public Library for interior and exterior renovations to provide full handicap accessibility;
• $52,500 for Stillwater Free library for property acquisition;
• $4,525 for Easton Library to replace a 20-year-old furnace with a new high efficiency furnace; and
• $48,416 for Greenwich Free Library to replace oil furnaces with high-efficiency gas, create covered outdoor seating, and improve accessibility, functionality, and safety at the rear entrance.

More than 50 percent of New York State’s public libraries are over 60 years old, while an additional 33 percent are more than three decades old. Library construction grants enable these indispensable institutions to address their aging infrastructure and make necessary improvements to better serve the community.

In an effort to instill a lifelong love of reading and learning in our children, Woerner is encouraging students to visit their local library and take part in this year’s “On your mark, get set…READ!” Summer Reading Challenge. For more information, please visit summerreadingnys.org, email woernerc@nyassembly.gov, or call Woerner’s office at 584-5493.