New Law Hopes To Grow Communities By Building New Public Libraries

ALBANY – Officials in New York are trying to help economically distressed communities grow by building new public libraries and linking them with high speed internet.

Governor Andrew Cuomo says the new law will provide state funding for up to 90 percent of the total project approved costs for construction of public libraries in economically distressed communities.

Additionally, this bill establishes new eligibility requirements for any project receiving state funding for 75 percent or greater of the total project costs.

“Libraries are cornerstones of any community and great equalizers that provide resources and access to information to all New Yorkers, no matter who they are, where they come from, or how rich or poor they are,” Cuomo said. “With this new law, we strengthen our library system, focusing our resources on those who need it most and creating a stronger and more equal Empire State for all.”

The State’s public library construction grant program provides matching funds for approved costs of acquisition, construction, renovation or rehabilitation of public library buildings, including broadband installation.

Previously, this program allowed for a state funding match for up to 75 percent of the total project costs for public libraries located in an economically disadvantaged community.