Rockville Centre Public Library receives $98K in state aid

The Rockville Centre Public Library will receive a lift from the state, which has earmarked more than $98,000 in aid — mainly for the replacement of the library’s hydraulic elevator.

The funding — which also will be set aside for other equipment at the library, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection/alarm support systems — is part of the State Education Department’s efforts to support 197 public libraries and systems statewide by allocating $34 million for construction and renovation projects.

Assemblyman Brian Curran unveiled the allocation of state funding that will support construction projects at several local libraries, including Rockville Centre. The capital funding, which was provided in the 2022–23 state budget, will also be dedicated to helping libraries in Baldwin, Malverne, Oceanside and Freeport.

“I am very pleased to announce that five of our local libraries will be receiving much-needed funds to renovate,” Curran said. “Local libraries are invaluable to our communities, as centers for not only reading but learning and exploration as well. Many happy memories are made in local libraries, and I cannot wait to see how they put these funds to great use to better our community.”

Renovation projects, such as the one in Rockville Centre, which are designed to provide accessibility for patrons with disabilities, are a high priority, officials said. Priority is also given to projects that will extend library services to residents in geographically isolated and economically disadvantaged and distressed communities.

“On behalf of the library board of trustees and library staff, I would like to thank Assemblyman Curran for his support in securing $98,469 for the library through the New York State Public Library Construction Grant Program,” Catherine Overton, director of the Rockville Centre library, said in an email. “This generous funding is earmarked to defray the cost of replacing our aging elevator. Assemblyman Curran has been a strong advocate of public libraries and recognizes the essential services that libraries deliver to their communities.”

Overton said that the library will also continue to seek additional grants to help fund future projects that will benefit its patrons, including technological upgrades, expanded seating and study space, and additional meeting rooms for both library programs and community use.

Betty Rosa, State Education Department commissioner, praised the initiative, saying that the funds will provide various improvements and enhance library facilities and services.

“Thriving libraries are essential to thriving communities and to the well-being of all New Yorkers,” Rosa said. “Libraries give individuals the opportunity to learn, collaborate, gain new skills, and become active participants in their communities. This funding is not only critical to improving library infrastructure but also to enriching the lives of New Yorkers in every region of the state.”

Once a year, libraries apply for state funding to support numerous projects that could enhance accessibility, expand existing space, modernize computer technology, or upgrade electrical infrastructure.

The board of trustees of each library then prioritizes the projects and sends approved applications with recommended costs to the New York State Library in Albany. After they are reviewed, the applications are then sent to the Dormitory Authority of New York for final review and approval.

These projects can range from roof and elevator repairs and electrical upgrades to the addition of new furniture, windows, doors and lighting.

The funding not only helps to improve library infrastructure but also serves as a catalyst for enhancing the quality of life for residents, officials said.

“Libraries are a critical part of New York’s educational infrastructure, ensuring that all New Yorkers have equitable access to lifelong learning opportunities,” Lester W. Young, Jr., Board of Regents chancellor, said. “This capital investment keeps our public library buildings accessible and vibrant so that they can meet the evolving needs of our communities now and long into the future.”

In the recent 2023–2024 state budget, an additional $34 million was provided for capital projects that will be announced next summer. The deadline to apply to the New York State Library for funding is Oct. 4.

Additional reporting by Daniel Offner