Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) is proud to announce that Herkimer County’s Frankfort Free Library, Little Falls Public Library, Old Forge Library and Poland Public Library, as well as Fulton County’s Gloversville Public Library, have been chosen by the New York state Education Department and the New York state Library to receive state funding for construction projects. These libraries are just five of 197 statewide libraries to receive this financial support for the 2022-23 year.

The Frankfort Free Library is set to receive $22,595 in state funding to address exterior safety concerns, including the installation of a retaining wall, fencing and energy-efficient lighting. The Little Falls Public Library is set to receive $270,194 to install a new elevator and upgrade the existing elevator to provide full building access. The Old Forge Library is set to receive $42,582 to rebuild concrete stairs, replace broken sidewalks, replace the loose gravel path with a paved path and install security cameras. The Poland Public Library is set to receive $48,825 to install insulation in walls and floors in the upper level and the basement of the original library, and upgrade electrical and windows to improve energy efficiency. And finally, the Gloversville Public Library is set to receive $181,140 to transform three empty lots into parking and outdoor programming spaces.

“I am very excited about the opportunities these funds have provided our community libraries,” said Smullen. “The resources and quiet spaces libraries provide the public are important and should be preserved. To see these repairs made to such historic buildings is incredible, and I can’t wait to see them in person when completed.”