Oneida Times

Several public libraries in New York State Senator Joseph Griffo's district will receive construction grant funds. The grants are part of $34 million allocated for public library construction and broadband infrastructure projects from the 2023-24 State Budget.

Libraries in the 53rd Senate District benefiting from these grants include:

- South New Berlin Free Library: $59,787 for the final phase of a community room addition project, including an ADA restroom and museum access.

- Canastota Public Library: $12,000 to replace three air conditioning units with new energy-efficient ones.

- Cazenovia Public Library: $34,950 to replace the deteriorated roof of the original building.

- Dunham Public Library: $452,069 for phase one of a second-story expansion.

- Hamilton Public Library: $151,736 to replace the alarm system and current roof with a modified bitumen roof system.

- Kirkland Town Library: $13,704 to install a window in a storage area converting it into office space and renovate the second-floor fire escape.

- Mid York Library System: $48,027 for creating a new entrance, upgrading interior lighting, combining two offices into one, and replacing an A/C rooftop unit.

- New Woodstock Free Library: $63,731 to replace roof shingles not re-shingled in 2018 and install south-facing solar panels behind the library.

- Oneida Public Library: $43,656 for an exterior amphitheater stage cover.

- Prospect Free Library: $11,250 to construct a porch addition providing an ADA-compliant entrance.

- Sherrill-Kenwood Free Library: $14,583 to install an energy-efficient combination boiler and hot water heater along with electrical outlets and new circuit power for the main door.

- Waterville Public Library: $11,812 to install control panels and proximity readers at two main entry points along with CCTV cameras and monitor installation.

- Western Town Library: $45,990 to renovate its lower level transforming it into a multipurpose community space.

Senator Griffo emphasized the importance of public libraries by stating that they "offer a variety of important services and resources" essential for communities. He added that this funding would help enhance these services allowing libraries "to flourish for years to come."