State Education Department Announces $34 Million Awarded For 207 Public Library Construction Projects Statewide

Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced today that the State Education Department has awarded $34 million to 207 public libraries and library systems across the state to support construction and renovation projects. These funds assist libraries in constructing new buildings, creating additions, updating electrical wiring and computer technology, improving broadband infrastructure, meeting energy efficiency standards, renovating facilities to provide greater accessibility, and providing meeting spaces to accommodate community needs.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “Libraries are essential hubs of knowledge, technology, and community engagement. By investing in our public libraries, we’re not just enhancing physical spaces, we’re unlocking the potential of every New Yorker. These funds ensure our libraries remain accessible and equipped to offer essential resources and services, thereby fostering lifelong learning and supporting communities—especially those in underserved and economically disadvantaged areas.”

Commissioner Rosa said, “Our state’s libraries are an integral part of our communities that promote knowledge, growth, and connection for all ages and backgrounds. They provide essential services such as access to information and digital literacy training, and are safe environments for collaboration and learning. This funding is critical to enable libraries to adapt to modern needs, meet energy efficiency standards, and ensure accessibility, particularly for those in isolated or underserved areas. By enhancing library infrastructure, we are investing directly in the future prosperity and well-being of all New Yorkers.”

Project activities that are eligible for awards include a wide range of endeavors such as providing EV charging stations and solar panels, financing broadband infrastructure projects, constructing new library buildings, adding to existing structures, and renovating or rehabilitating existing spaces. In new or newly renovated spaces, projects may include the purchase of new furniture, shelving, and computer equipment, as these expenses are only eligible if the spaces meet the renovation or construction criteria.

High priority is given to renovations that improve accessibility for patrons with disabilities. Projects that aim to extend library services to geographically isolated and economically disadvantaged communities also receive priority consideration.

Awards by region are below:

A complete list of funded projects is available on the State Library’s website.

Senator Iwen Chu, Chair of the Libraries Committee, said, “Libraries are essential for the vitality of our communities. Our NYS Library facilities must have the funding to stay updated with current equipment and expand to meet community needs, ensuring New Yorkers of all ages can benefit from their local libraries. As Chair of the Libraries Committee, I’m proud to lift the cap on library construction aid, allowing institutions–particularly in distressed regions–to better fund their projects. I’m also proud to work with my colleagues to secure capital funds for the second year in a row to keep our lifelong learning facilities up to date. With this funding, libraries will continue to be indispensable resources for communities throughout the state.”

Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the Libraries and Education Technology Committee, said, “As the Chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, I know how important libraries are to our communities," said Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara. "They foster a love of books and the arts and offer services like access to technology and activities for all ages. That's why I advocated for $44 million in this year’s state budget for New York’s public library system. This funding will be used for building improvements, updating technology, and making buildings more accessible and energy efficient. I’m excited to see how this investment will help our libraries meet the needs of the communities they serve.”  

Construction funds are allocated to New York State’s 23 public library systems based on formulas established in New York  State Education Law. Member libraries apply for the State funds allocated to their public library system. Each library system’s governing Board of Trustees then prioritizes the projects and sends approved project applications with recommended project awards to the New York State Library. After State Library review, applications are then sent to the Dormitory Authority of New York State for final review and approval.

The $34 million in capital funds for State Aid for Library Construction is provided in the 2023-2024 Enacted State Budget. In the recent 2024-2025 State Budget, $44 million was provided for projects that will be announced in the Summer of 2025. The deadline to apply for the New York State Library funding is Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

The New York State Library is part of the Office of Cultural Education within the New York State Education Department. The Library serves three major constituencies.

• The Regent Joseph E. Bowman Jr. Research Library, established by law in 1818, collects, preserves, and makes available materials that support State government work. The Library's collections, now numbering over 20 million items, may also be used by other researchers onsite, online, and via interlibrary loan.
• The Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) lends braille, audiobooks, magazines, and special playback equipment to residents of the 55 upstate counties of New York State who cannot read printed materials because of a visual or physical disability.
• The Division of Library Development works in partnership with 72 library systems to bring library services to millions of people who use New York's academic, public, school, and special libraries. Library Development also administers state and federal grant programs that provide aid for library services.

The State Library also offers webinars, events, and onsite genealogy tours. For a complete list of upcoming programs, visit the State Library's website.

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