Freeport Library wins state grant

The Freeport Memorial Library is one of three local libraries to receive a construction grant, courtesy of Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook – 21st A.D.) and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R,C,IP – 9th Senate District). The Freeport Memorial Library will receive $177,915 to renovate and replace windows in the original 1924 building.

Curran said that the library construction grants were approved in the 2013 state budget as part of a $14 million capital fund appropriation that would enable libraries to renovate, replace, and rehabilitate their facilities.

“Our libraries are a great community resource, and this funding will go a long way toward helping to modernize and rehabilitate our library services and facilities – creating better access, updating and maximizing their effectiveness for the public,” said Curran.

“It’s just wonderful,” said Freeport Memorial Library director Ken Bellafiore. “Here we are celebrating our 90th anniversary and we now can renovate 11 historic windows plus replace an additional 11 windows in the original 1924 building.” Bellafiore said the project will take several years to complete and will begin in the Spring of 2015. The renovation of the historic windows will include exterior crowns, interior casings and sills; the new windows are to be painted to match the historic windows,” he explained. “Everything will match the original.”

Additionally, there will be enough funds to reframe the stained glass window and put in a window protector to help preserve it.

In addition to the Freeport Memorial Library, the Baldwin Public Library, Lynbrook Public Library and Rockville Centre Public Library will also be receiving funds for the various projects at their facilities.

“Libraries are such a great tool to our communities, and because they are experiencing dramatic increases in use, building them into a more efficient community resource is essential to meet the public’s demand,” concluded Curran.