PATTERSON – Christmas has come a few days early for the Patterson and Putnam Valley libraries.
The two lending institutions have been awarded $250,000 in state aid for construction and renovation projects, funding that will support critical upgrades to improve accessibility and energy efficiency.
The allocations are part of a $44 million capital fund appropriation in the state’s budget dedicated to the construction and renovation of public libraries across New York.
Assemblyman Matt Slater (R, Yorktown), who represents four of Putnam’s six townships in addition to Yorktown and Somers in Westchester and who previously served as ranking minority member of the Libraries Committee, described the need for library upgrades Monday as being “enormous, with many buildings more than a century old and struggling to meet modern demands. Many facilities lack accessibility for people with disabilities, have outdated electrical wiring and can’t adequately support today’s modern technology or community programming. I’m grateful our local libraries are receiving this funding to make the upgrades they need.”
Slater said libraries “give our communities so much, whether it’s resources for learning, technology or just a place to come together. If we want them to keep playing that role, we have to invest in them, modernize their spaces and make sure they’re ready to serve the next generation.”
The Patterson Library’s grant totals $176,068 for mechanical, lighting and other interior improvements to the Adult Collection area while the Putnam Valley Library received $72,709 to upgrade the Community Room, bathrooms and kitchen to ADA compliance, improving safety, reducing energy use and increasing access.
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