State Education Department Announces $34 Million for Public Library Construction
Michael T. Baldwin Reports, photo by Melanie Hunt
The David A. Howe Library in Wellsville is one of 223 public libraries to share in $34 million in funding to support construction and updates. The State Education Department said these funds help libraries construct new buildings, create additions, update electrical wiring and computer technology, improve broadband infrastructure, meet energy-efficiency standards, and renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities and create meeting spaces to accommodate community needs. The Howe Library has been awarded $150,622. The library’s lower floor roof will be replaced to incorporate new weatherproofing, drainage systems, surface areas and interior plaster ceilings. Other recipients in Allegany County:
– Angelica Free Library – $4,537 to install 2 natural gas furnace units in building to replace inefficient units, and install new duct work and insulation to accommodate new units.
– Bolivar Free Library – $201,190. The Bolivar Free Library will install an elevator lift in the main area of the library to provide accessibility to all three levels of the building.
– Colonial Library in Richburg – $30,045 for the installation of paved blacktop parking lot, exterior lights and signage.
– Essential Club Free Library in Canaseraga – $5,625. The library will remove an existing ADA compliant ramp and main entrance and reinstall both to improve accessibility and safety.
– Twentieth Century Club Library, Almond – $66,420 to replace exposed cast iron radiators and piping with in-floor radiant heating and renovate downstairs bathroom to be ADA compliant.
Recipients in Steuben County:
– Arkport Public Library – $63,792 for exterior work to gain energy efficiencies, and interior work to improve accessibility and gain energy efficiencies, including renovating public spaces.
– Cohocton Public Library – $37,469 for community room renovations to improve overall space availability and accessibility as well as increase energy efficiencies with A/C unit install.
– Dormann Library, Bath – $48,750 – Complete library roof replacement. Removal of all existing roof materials and installation of all new materials for a 30 year life span.
– Southeast Steuben County Library, Corning – $95,925 – Installation of Solar Shades in library; Replacement of 2nd Floor Windows, Cargo Elevator Upgrade to Code.
– Wimodaughsian Free Library, Canisteo – $9,862. The library will renovate a storage room to install a public space kitchen to support programs, and install an ADA accessible bathroom.
