New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today the completion of improvements at the John C. Hart Memorial Library made possible through a $50,000 Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability and Technology (CREST) grant he secured.
The funding supported two major upgrades at the library: the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting on the lower level and the replacement of an outdated circulation desk in the children’s department with a smaller, mobile information desk. Approximately half of the grant funded the lighting conversion and replacement of older fluorescent fixtures with energy-saving LEDs, which will reduce long-term energy costs for the library.
The remaining funds were used to demolish and remove the oversized built-in circulation desk in the children’s room and install a new mobile information desk, allowing the library to create a flexible, hands-on play area for young visitors.
“Libraries are the heart of our communities, and investing in them helps ensure they remain welcoming, modern spaces for residents of all ages,” said Harckham. “Through the CREST grant program, we can support practical improvements like energy-efficient lighting and more adaptable public spaces projects that enhance services while saving taxpayer dollars over time.”
CREST grants provide targeted funding to municipalities and community institutions for projects that improve infrastructure, increase energy efficiency, and strengthen local services. By helping organizations make upgrades that reduce operational costs, such as switching to LED lighting, the grants help local governments and community institutions lower expenses and ease the burden on taxpayers.
Library Director Yvonne Cech said the improvements have already made a noticeable difference for patrons and staff.
“Downsizing our old information desk in the children’s room made it possible to create a hands-on play area for young visitors,” said Cech. “With limited space and no open play area before, removing the very old oversized built-in desk has been a real game changer – our families love it. The new creative play space is bright and welcoming. Converting to a mobile information desk will allow us to adapt the room for different needs in future. We’re deeply grateful to Senator Harckham for providing the grant funding that made both important improvements possible.”
Town of Yorktown Supervisor Edward Lachterman said: “Thanks to this community grant we have made some great changes to our children’s room that will not only help our residents have a better experience, checking out books, but will also offer a much more inviting area to spend some family time reading in an extremely comfortable environment.”
In addition to enhancing the children’s area, the LED lighting upgrades will provide brighter, more efficient illumination while lowering energy consumption and maintenance costs for the library.
Harckham said investments like these help ensure community institutions remain vibrant while operating more sustainably.
“Projects like this show how smart state investments can make a real difference locally,” Harckham added. “By improving public spaces and reducing long-term operating costs, we’re helping libraries continue serving residents while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.”
