ALBANY – The State Aid for Public Library Construction Grant Program Awards were announced in December, and 13 Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) member libraries have been awarded funds totaling $1,715,727.
Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director, was pleased with the funding, saying, “These funds greatly assist local libraries in keeping up with the aging infrastructure our libraries are operating within.”
According to Aldrich, there is a documented need of $1.75 billion for public library construction and renovation in New York State. More than half of the over 1,000 public library buildings in New York are now over 60 years old, and one-third are between 30 and 60 years old.
The funds for all listed projects are from $44 million in capital funds for public library construction and broadband infrastructure projects provided in the 2024-2025 State Budget.
MHLS is a cooperative public library system with 66 member libraries and is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and overseen by the New York State Education Department via the Division of Library Development. For more information, visit .
2025 Awards in the Mid-Hudson Library System include:
Installation of Emergency Generator
Roof Replacement and Handicapped Entrance
Energy Efficient HVAC System Upgrade
Energy Efficiency Project
Basement Renovation
Children’s Library Upgrades and Improvements
Upgrades to HVAC System
Construction
Phase 2 Adult Collection Area Improvements
Septic System Replacement
Installation of 2 Double EV Charging Stations
Renovation of the Community Room
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