Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky today announced capital project awards of $95,112 to the Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library and $66,154 to the Warner Library, serving Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, as part of the State Aid for Library Construction Program.
Aid to the Hastings-on-Hudson library will enable the installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic system. At the Warner Library, it will fund replacement of failing HVAC piping and junctures that have caused water penetration issues at the 1929 building. The awards are part of a total $34 million allocation for public library construction and broadband infrastructure projects in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 State Budget.
“I am proud to have supported library funding across New York State, and I am very pleased to see the Hastings and Warner branches receive their awards,” said Assemblymember Shimsky. “These are critical investments that will enhance our communities, while bringing savings to taxpayers on energy expenses and costly repairs down the line.”
Warner Library Director Jessica Pacciotti said, “At the Warner Library, we are working on replacing corroded iron piping in our HVAC system with more efficient and effective copper piping. This project is focused on our ground floor Children’s Room. This year’s project is coordinated with a prior year’s grant that will provide energy efficient lighting in the same space. We look forward to reopening the children’s room later this year with all these updates in place.”
In the FY2024-2025 State Budget, the Legislature has provided $44 million for projects to be announced in the Summer of 2025. This increase of $10 million from the prior budget recognizes the continued need for support for libraries statewide to provide vital services to New Yorkers.
A recent survey showed a documented need for public library construction and renovation projects totaling more than $1.75 billion.1 There are more than 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York; among them, more than half are over 60 years old and another third are over 30 years old.
Project activities and expenditures eligible for funding from the State Aid for Library Construction Program include financing construction of new library buildings, construction of additions to existing buildings, and the renovation and/or rehabilitation of existing space. Projects may include broadband infrastructure, roof replacement, new HVAC and alternative energy systems, windows, doors, lighting systems, electrical upgrades, EV charging stations, standby generators, and new construction or replacement of parking lots. The purchase of new furniture and equipment for new or newly reconfigured or renovated space are also eligible, with a high priority for renovations designed to provide accessibility for patrons with disabilities.
