Several libraries around the region will undertake a variety of construction projects funded by library construction grant funds from $34 million in capital funds included in the 2020-2021 state budget, according to state Sen. Joseph Griffo (R–Rome). Dunham Public Library, located at 76 Main St. in Whitesboro, received $323,625 to tackle a number of issues that will make […]
Several libraries around the region will undertake a variety of construction projects funded by library construction grant funds from $34 million in capital funds included in the 2020-2021 state budget, according to state Sen. Joseph Griffo (R–Rome).
Dunham Public Library, located at 76 Main St. in Whitesboro, received $323,625 to tackle a number of issues that will make the facility more modern and accessible, says April Bliss, library director.
With the funding, Dunham Public Library will upgrade and renovate several toilet rooms including making one toilet room on the main floor ADA compliant, she says.
Other work will include installing a fire door, a new secure circulation desk, new carpeting, removing a tree, and adding an LED sign near the road the library can put changing messages on.
“We have one,” Bliss says of the sign, “but the only way you can see the sign is if you turn and look at the building.” The new sign will be visible to passing motorists, helping the library get its message out.
The library will also be changing the layout of its community room and adding a handwashing station at the circulation desk.
Over the past 10 years, Dunham Public Library has received more than $1 million in construction grants, which are vital to keeping the library in good shape and accessible to all its patrons, Bliss contends.
She says the work will be split into several phases, with the first phase kicking off in the spring of 2020 with the circulation desk and toilet rooms. During the summer when the library is especially busy, work will move outside before the project wraps up at the end of next year with work on the community room. Dunham Public Library is preparing to put the project out for bid soon.
Other area libraries receiving construction grants include the following:
• Mid York Library System, at 1600 Lincoln Ave. in Utica, $19,209 to upgrade its security-monitoring system, modify a portion of the building exterior, and install network equipment.
• Utica Public Library, at 303 Genesee St., $13,190 to upgrade the fire detection/alarm system with new smoke detectors, fire alarms, and supporting infrastructure.
• Waterville Public Library, at 206 White St. in Waterville, $24,024 to rehabilitate, seal, and insulate failed windows in the main library room and install touchless automatic doors for the main entrance.
• Lowville Free Library, at 5387 Dayan St. in Lowville, $8,784 for the removal of a damaged boiler and air-conditioning condenser and replacement with high-efficiency models.
“Our public libraries play a critically important role as centers of learning, culture, and civic activity in many communities throughout the region,” Griffo said in a press release. “However, it can be difficult to afford the necessary upgrades and renovations that these buildings may need. This funding will help libraries throughout my district undertake a variety of improvements and projects that will help them to flourish for years to come.”
