Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF, REF - Sag Harbor) announced that New York State Public Library Construction Grants have been awarded to the Hampton Bays Public Library for $58,960; Quogue Library for $326,000; Rogers Memorial Library in Southampton for $12,777; and Westhampton Free Library for $357,731.

According to the New York State Education Department (NYSED), the state’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading—more than 52% of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Another 31% are more than three decades old.

Hampton Bays Library will use the grant for a roof replacement and lighting upgrades, while Quogue Library will apply the funds towards interior and exterior upgrades to increase energy efficiency, ADA compliance and security. Rogers Memorial Library will upgrade its security system with the grant, and Westhampton Free Library will apply the funding towards interior renovations.

The New York State Library and NYSED approved 251 construction projects for public libraries and public library systems throughout the State. These projects are supported by a $34 million capital fund appropriation in the 2018 State Budget for construction and renovation of public libraries and public library systems in New York State.

State Aid for Library Construction help local libraries and library systems to build new libraries, create additions, update electrical wiring to accommodate computer technology, meet standards of energy efficiency, renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, and provide meeting rooms to accommodate community needs.