Senator George Latimer (D-37th SD) and Assemblyman Steve Otis (D-91st AD) today announced an important construction funding award for the Larchmont Public Library. The grant is part of the State Aid for Library Construction Program, a $14 million capital fund devoted to public library construction projects in the 2015-16 state budget.

Otis and Latimer represent the Village of Larchmont and have been strong advocates for the community and the Larchmont Public Library. The $24,250 grant will help the library remove an out-of-date, unsafe handicap ramp at the main entrance and replace it with a fully ADA compliant ramp.

“Having worked with the libraries in supporting their applications, it is terrific to have this library getting the help it needs in ensuring access to everyone who wants to use it,” Senator Latimer said in announcing the awarding of the grant.

As a member of the Assembly Libraries and Education Technology Committee, Assemblyman Otis advocates for library construction funding in the state budget each year. “The Larchmont Public Library is a treasured resource in the community,” said Otis. “I am delighted that these funds will provide for a new handicap accessible ramp so that all library patrons will have easy access to the many services and programs that the library has to offer.”

Senator Latimer added, “As the ranking member of the education committee, I am committed to ensuring our state has the best public libraries possible. Libraries are a gateway to learning, and everything we do to support our libraries supports learning,” he added.

Assemblyman Otis concluded, “We are committed to bringing state grants to local projects and reducing the burden on property taxpayers with this type of assistance.”