September 2024
What are these funds for?
New York's public libraries are in urgent need of renovation, upgrading, and expansion. There is a documented need for construction and renovation projects for New York's public libraries totaling more than $1.75 billion through 2027. More than half of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Another one third are more than three decades old. Many of New York's local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities and cannot provide Internet and computer and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring. Many libraries do not have sufficient space to house the library's expanding collection, address the need for adequate meeting room, or provide for public access computers. In addition, many have outdated and inefficient heating/air conditioning and lighting systems that are costly to maintain and hazardous to the environment.
State Aid for Library Construction helps local libraries and library systems to build new libraries, create additions, update electrical wiring and broadband access to accommodate computer technology, meet standards of energy efficiency, renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, and provide meeting rooms to accommodate community needs.
How are the projects funded?
There is no ongoing annual funding for public library construction. The 2023-2024 State Budget allocated capital funding at $34 million. Some FY2023-2024 projects could receive a maximum of seventy-five percent of total eligible project costs, but the size of the project award is dependent on the availability of funding and the number of applicants within an individual public library system.
Nineteen projects that are in economically distressed communities are receiving ninety percent of total eligible projects costs and over one hundred projects are receiving seventy-five percent, based on system allocation.
What activities can be funded?
Eligible project activities include financing construction of new library buildings, construction of additions to existing buildings, and the renovation and/or rehabilitation of existing space, including roof replacement; purchase and installation of photovoltaic solar panels and geothermal wells; new HVAC systems; windows, doors, and lighting systems; electrical upgrades; generators; installation and infrastructure of broadband services; and construction of new or replacement of old walkways and parking lots and EV charging stations, among other things. New furniture, shelving, and equipment, including computer equipment, can be purchased for new or newly reconfigured or substantially renovated space. Routine maintenance is not fundable.
The minimum award is $2,500. Libraries must provide certification of available funds to pay for the full cost of the project minus the amount of the construction award. Libraries may use local, state, or federal public funds, private funds, or a combination of funds from those sources for the required additional funds. There is no maximum award amount, but the amounts of the awards will depend on the number of project applications received and the total funding available to the library system.
What is the process for allocating aid?
Construction funds are allocated to New York State's 23 public library systems based on formulas in Education Law. Member libraries within a system compete for the State funds allocated to their public library system. Each library system's governing Board of Trustees then prioritizes the projects and sends approved project applications with recommended project allocations to the State Library. After State Library review, applications are then sent to the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) for final review and approval. The New York State Library announces the names of recipients and project amounts once the final review of applications is completed.
Additional information is available on the State Aid for Library Construction homepage.