Local libraries get $402K for upgrades

The state Education Department awarded $402,632 to six North County Library System facilities Tuesday for improvements, according to state Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, and Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa.

The Carthage Free Library was given $311,472 to renovate. The library plans to build ramps, lifts and bathrooms for disabled patrons, install a new heating, ventilation and air condition system and construct a 1,100 square foot addition for a computer lab and community room.

The other awards were:

• $43,800 for the Ogdensburg Public Library to fix its roof and rehabilitate two chimneys.
• $20,888 for the Bodman Memorial Library to build a ramp and bathroom for disabled visitors and expand their children and teen areas.
• $13,750 for the Potsdam Public Library to make a partial roof replacement
• $7,272 for the Canton Free Library, Morley branch, to replace its roof, front door and eight of its windows
• $5,450 for the William H. Bush Memorial Library, Martinsburg, to rebuild its parking lot.

“With libraries facing a possible fifth cut in state aid in two years, the availability of funds for construction are essential,” said Stephen B. Bolton, the library system director, in a statement. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Assemblywoman Russell not only for these grants, but for her sincere support of public libraries.”

Mr. Aubertine added: “Libraries remain an essential resource in our communities and I will continue working to protect funding where we can to ensure these types of quality investments continue.”