Syracuse, NY – Assemblyman Magnarelli announced that the Baldwinsville Public Library; the Robert B. Kinchen Central Library of Onondaga County; and the Solvay Public Library have been awarded library construction grant funds. The libraries are located within the Assemblyman’s 129th District.

The New York State Library designated 170 construction grants to public libraries and public library systems throughout New York State. The grant funds are from a $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2012 State Budget.

The three awardees are as follows:

Baldwinsville Public Library, $6,675

• This project will implement the final building envelope energy conservation improvement recommended in the library’s “2010 Energy Conservation Study”

Robert B. Kinchen Central Library of Onondaga County, $307,925

• This project will replace an outdated, 25 year old HVAC system with new energy efficient system to increase overall operational efficiency and enhance energy conservation

Solvay Public Library, $19,800

• The energy efficiency project will replace the 1979 windows in the Fiction and Hazard Rooms with like design, but more energy efficient custom windows to both increase patron comfort and reduce energy consumption

New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading. A recent survey showed a documented need for public library construction and renovations projects totaling more than $2.2 billion. More than 48% of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Another 30% are more than three decades old. Many of New York’s local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are energy inefficient, cannot provide Internet and computer and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring, and do not have sufficient space to house the library’s expanding collection, address the need for adequate meeting room, or provide for public access computers.