When the main elevator in the New Rochelle Public Library failed on May 2nd 2014, the library was forced to go 10 months without one. The staff and Board of Directors worked together to get an elevator back on-line.

Senators Andrea Stewart-Cousins and George Latimer, joined by Assemblymembers Steve Otis and Amy Paulin, have announced the securing of a $95,252 grant from the NYS Education Department’s Library Construction Grant program to replace the aging elevator.

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Senate Leader, said, "I am always pleased to vote for additional resources for libraries as they are incredibly important resources in our communities. The $95,000 granted through state funds to New Rochelle's Library will replace its outdated elevator, insuring access for years to come."

Senator George Latimer added, “The New Rochelle Public Library is an essential part of our community. The ability for everyone to fully access the library, its services and its wealth of information is crucial, and I am delighted to have assisted in bringing this project to fruition.”

The elevator unit ultimately needed to be replaced. At the time it failed, it was 33 years old. With the funding from the grant, the library will be able to complete the elevator replacement process.

As a member of the Assembly Libraries and Technology Committee, Assemblyman Otis advocates for library construction funding in the state budget each year. “The New Rochelle Public Library is an important community gathering place to do research, job searches and satisfy our shared love of reading. I am pleased that this grant will make it possible for all in the community to have full access once again to the many resources that the library has to offer.”