Gouverneur library wins state award for its loft project
GOUVERNEUR — The library in this village has been honored by the New York State Library Association for its loft renovation project.
The award was given to the Gouverneur Reading Room Association at the NYSLA annual conference Oct. 14 to 17 at Niagara Falls.
Each year, the public library section of the NYSLA awards a plaque and $1,000 to two libraries in the state to honor a renovation or construction project, according to Gouverneur Public Library manager Charlotte J. Garofalo.
She said the award focuses on the effect a library's construction project has had on the facility's ability to provide services to its community. Emphasis is placed on projects that demonstrate cost-effective solutions to space challenges and the pleasing floor plan of new construction.
The library loft in Gouverneur, unveiled in October 2008, converted the unused attic of the building into much needed space for youth and adult programs, meetings and recreational reading.
The Reading Room Association launched the $348,000 loft project two years ago and received grants from the state library Construction Fund, Sweetgrass Foundation and Northern New York Community Foundation, and member items from Assemblywoman Dierdre K. Scozzafava, R-Gouverneur, and state Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent. It also received more than $150,000 in pledges from individuals.
