The FY 2018-2019 State Aid for Public Library Construction Grant Program Awards totaling $1,310,852
have been announced and seventeen MHLS Member Libraries, along with the Mid-Hudson Library System, have been awarded funds. The application process began well over a year ago, so these libraries have been waiting a long time for this announcement!
"When we invest in public libraries, we invest in our communities," said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. "This state aid will help over 250 libraries make much-needed renovations or upgrades so they can best serve the children, families and adults who visit every day."
"Public libraries are there to support learners of every age, ability and background and are a focal part of their community - that's why it's so important to invest in our libraries," said State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. "These funds will help libraries expand their program spaces, make necessary building repairs and upgrades, and provide computer technology that people rely on every day. We thank the Governor and the State Legislature for committing these funds for New York's libraries."
"Investing in our libraries benefits the entire community and residents of all ages who use the library for
educational purposes, community programs, and to foster a love of learning and books," said Senator
George Amedore
who serves the 46th district which covers part of the MHLS service region. Senator Amedore said he will continue to work to ensure area libraries have the necessary resources to serve their communities.
"
Our libraries are integral to our communities, providing a place for us to learn, explore new ideas and access resources," said Assemblymember Didi Barrett who serves the 106th district which covers part of the MHLS service region. "With this funding, our libraries will be able to complete necessary renovations and expand their facilities. I look forward to seeing how these projects improve our libraries so they can better serve Hudson Valley families."
2019 Awards in the Mid-Hudson Library System
D.R. Evarts Library (Athens):
$282,947
Exterior and interior renovations for ADA compliance
Beekman Library:
$4,309
Energy efficient lighting installation
Brewster Public Library:
$8,375
Lighting and wiring upgrades
Claverack Free Library: $302,089
Building renovation for library expansion
Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library (Cold Spring):
$40,642
Interior renovations for ADA compliance
Desmond-Fish Public Library (Garrison): $59,217
Solar panel installation
Germantown Library
: $4,645
Renovation of library entrance and HVAC upgrades
Roeliff Jansen Community Library
(Hillsdale/Copake/Ancram): $72,628
Driveway and parking lot renovations
Hudson Area Association Library:
$10,705
Construct storage space
Kinderhook Memorial Library:
$38,069
Interior and exterior renovations
Kingston Library:
$58,447
Construct outdoor program and meeting space
Elting Memorial Library (New Paltz):
$2,500
Sidewalk reconstruction to ensure patron safety
North Chatham Free Library:
$5,304
Parking lot expansion
Pawling Free Library: $6,246
Constructing a new teen space
Stanford Free Library: $240,610
Install new HVAC and energy efficient exterior walls/roof
Stone Ridge Library: $9,930
Expand circulation area for ADA compliance
Town of Ulster Public Library: $70,839
Lighting upgrades
Mid-Hudson Library System: $93,350
MHLS Auditorium renovations
On Wednesday, September 11th from 1:00-4:00pm join Kristin Charles-Scaringi, Adult and Teen Services Librarian at the Kingston Library, for Librarian Life Story: Developing Your Professional Narrative. Librarians can use storytelling techniques to develop a professional narrative that can be used in the application, interviewing, marketing, and professional development processes. In this workshop, participants will learn the basics elements of a good story and how it applies to their professional lives, create their own professional stories, and try out their new stories in mock applications and interviews. This event will be held at Southeastern NY Library Resources Council located in Highland, NY. To register for this event please visit, 
