Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,Ref –Meco) today announced that five libraries in Fulton, Herkimer, Oneida and St. Lawrence counties have been allocated $231,598 in state aid for library construction funds. The funds were allocated from a $34 million capital fund appropriation in the state budget for capital improvements and renovations at public libraries across the state.

“I was proud to work with my colleagues to restore and maintain $96.6 million in funding for local libraries in this year’s state budget,” said Smullen. “The Library Construction Grants that were included in the library funding package are critically important to maintaining and improving our rural public libraries. These are prudent investments that will benefit these communities for years to come.”

The following grants were awarded to libraries in the 118^th Assembly District:

• Gloversville Public Library: $76,006 for window replacement, upgrades to the auditorium and improved signage.
• Frank J. Basloe Library in Herkimer: $95,046 for the renovation of the main lobby area.
• Old Forge Library: $13,695 for a new generator and restroom renovations.
• Western Town Library in Westernville: $33,446 for electrical system changes and safety measures.
• Hepburn Library of Norfolk: $13,405 for refurbishing historical arch windows and energy efficiency measures.

According to the New York State Library, more than 52 percent of the 1,000 public library buildings across New York are over 60 years old, and another 31 percent were built more than 30 years ago. State aid for library construction helps local libraries and library systems build new libraries, create additions, update wiring and broadband access to accommodate computer technology, meet standards of energy efficiency, renovate facilities to provide full accessibility and provide meeting rooms to accommodate community needs.

As the ranking minority member on the Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, Smullen looks forward to continuing to support the needs of public libraries in the 118^th Assembly District and across the state.