Staff Reports
Associated Press
The NIOGA Library System and the Ransomville Free Library are set to receive a combined $134,902 in state funds, Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte announced Friday.
DelMonte said she has secured $86,299 for the NIOGA system and $48,603 for Ransomville as part of a $14 million allocation for public library construction set aside in the state’s 2009-10 budget. The money will be used to help the facilities make infrastructure improvements.
With 21 member libraries, and 12 in Niagara County including the Niagara Falls and Ransomville libraries, the NIOGA Library System provides a number of services geared toward improving efficiency, including pooling resources, coordinating interlibrary loans and consolidating purchasing power for bulk discounts, said DelMonte, D-Lewiston.
DelMonte said the funding will allow NIOGA Library System to replace a portion of the roof at its headquarters, replace three rooftop HVAC units, construct an accessible entryway on the east side of the building and construct a storage building. The Ransomville Free Library will be able to construct a 1,000 foot addition with new HVAC, shelving and an accessible entryway.
“The grant funds will be used for energy conservation including energy efficient air conditioning units and a new lighting system, as well as a handicapped-accessible entrance,” said Tom Bindeman, director of the NIOGA Library System. “The building upgrades will save the library system money and in these tough economic times any savings are greatly appreciated. Any savings realized will be used to purchase library materials.”
