Ossining Library Receives Construction Grant

The following news release is from Assemblywoman Sandy Galef:

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef announced that the and the Hendrick Hudson Free Library have been awarded construction grants from the New York State Library. Ossining and Hendrick Libraries are among 192 public libraries and public library systems selected to receive these funds. “These grants from New York State will give education and reading an essential boost as well as encourage students and all community members to utilize public libraries within their community,” stated Assemblywoman Galef.

Numerous public libraries all around New York State have been unable to make necessary and cost-saving renovations such as becoming more energy efficient, more accessible to users with disabilities, and allowing adequate space to accommodate library collections. The given funds will help libraries make these much-needed renovations.

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The Hendrick Hudson Free Library plans to use the $106,219 awarded to them to increase the effectiveness of their library services by creating more study space; increasing office, storage and custodial space; offering patrons vending options; and increasing energy efficiency. These advancements will make certain that library patrons are able to enjoy their public library at its best while still saving money long-term from the energy efficient upgrades being implemented.  

“We are privileged to have such a beautiful building and supportive community. This grant affords us the opportunity to make needed cost saving and efficiency improvements to the facility, while providing added services to our community.  We are excited to begin and look forward to the reaction of our patrons,” said Jill Davis, Hendrick Hudson’s Library Director.

The Ossining Public Library was awarded $25,000 to help upgrade their air conditioning and replace system components, and preserve the existing geothermal wells and pumps for maximum energy savings. These upgrades will ensure savings for community members as well as make the library a more enjoyable and comfortable location for all.

Ossining Library Director Jim Farrell said, “The Ossining Public Library was pleased to learn it is the recipient of a $25,000 energy conservation construction grant. We wish to thank all those responsible for helping use be awarded the grant. It will offset the cost of converting the current computerized system that monitors the temperature controls in the library to a more cost effective system. Not only will this help regulate climate, it will also conserve energy and be more cost effective, saving the taxpayers money."

More than 40% 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. The overall $14 million in grants being awarded to public libraries throughout New York is the first step toward enabling all public libraries to make changes that will transform the ways that community members are able to utilize their public libraries and save taxpayers money in the long-term.

“I am so pleased we are able to support libraries throughout the state with these capital grants.  I am especially happy to know that these two libraries in my assembly district are grant recipients and they are receiving these grants in order to make their libraries more space and energy efficient.  This will save my constituents tax dollars and construe other benefits as well, such as creating more efficient and more productive spaces in both libraries,” concluded Galef.