How are these libraries using state grants?

A public library is in many ways the hub of a community. It’s the focal point where kids, families, seniors, job hunters, researchers, local groups, and everyone in between gather throughout the year.

But what happens when the local library runs out of space? Or needs renovations? Local elected officials often step in to provide grants to offset direct tax increases.

Malverne and Lakeview libraries recently received grants for a number of improvements designed to keep the libraries functioning well, and increasing outreach to all segments of the communities.

Lakeview received a $118,125 grant from the New York State Education Department, and Malverne received a $26,000 grant as part of the state’s recent $34 million in grants to 197 public libraries.

For Lakeview, the grant will be used to fix the 22-year-old roof before renovations of the third floor begin.

“We are very excited,” Lakeview Public Library Director Camina Raphaël-Lubin said. “When the roof is done, the third floor can be completed and the library can be updated.”

Lakeview’s plan is to convert the third floor into a large meeting room since the downstairs community room is too small. The library received a $500,000 grant through State Senator Kevin Thomas for that project, which Raphaël-Lubin said should cost between $1.5-2 million. In addition, Assemblywoman Taylor Darling helped provide a $125,000 grant last year for the renovation project.

The grant Malverne received will pay for new tracks for the elevator doors. Library Director Carol Lagos said four years ago, the library’s elevator contractor told her the company could no longer repair the old doors and tracks.

“They stopped supporting the track and doors and recommended we replace them,” Lagos said. “That was four years ago.”

The Malverne grant was provided with help from State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Assemblyman Brian Curran.

Malverne also received a $10,000 grant from the state through Curran to purchase a new movie projector and water tables for kids to enjoy in a gated area of the library’s lawn. Lagos said the library hosted a few “trial runs” recently for kids to enjoy the water tables, and the response was fantastic.

“We got the idea from the Lynbrook library, and I thought that would go over well here,” Lagos said. “The kids love the Water Table Splash Play area.”

Lagos said the water tables are for kids 5 and under, and next year the program will be expanded in run weekends, weather permitting, and include shade tents. Library staff set up the water tables on a side lawn that was gated thanks to help from Friends of the Malverne Public Library.

The old movie projector needed to be replaced because Lagos said the movie showings draw crowds throughout the year. “Our movies are very popular for all ages,” she said.

A $5,000 grant from former Assemblywoman Judy Griffin last year is yet another way the Malverne Public Library is meeting the needs of patrons. The grant was used to purchase outdoor lockers for patrons to pick up items even when the library is closed.

“Because we’re a small library, we have limited hours,” Lagos said. “The lockers enable people to pick up books or museum passes even when the library is closed. They will get an email that tells them the locker number and a four-digit code so they can obtain the item on their time.”

Lagos said the lockers are protected from the weather in an alcove.

For Lakeview, the grants have been useful in updating the building and services without raising taxes. “We try to save the taxpayers as much money as possible,” Raphaël-Lubin said.

Lakeview also received a $15,000 grant from Thomas to expand a STEAM room so children can explore careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Currently, Raphaël-Lubin said the library uses a closet to store its STEAM equipment.

“We take all the items out of the closet, and then put them all back in,” Raphaël-Lubin said. “It’s not really conducive to learning.”

The library will use the grant to create a STEAM lab and house equipment such as a 3D printer, computers, and a hydroponic farming display.

Officials said they were eager to help local libraries improve services.

“Our local libraries are often where our children foster a lifelong love of reading for the first time,” said Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick in a release. “Their role as community hubs cannot be understated and should be supported as best as possible.”

Curran agreed. “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,” said Curran in a release.

Renovations designed to provide accessibility for patrons with disabilities are a high priority in awarding grants, the state education department said. Priority is also given to projects that will extend library services to people residing in geographically isolated and economically disadvantaged and distressed communities.

Construction grant money is awarded to New York State’s 23 public library systems based on Education Law formulas. The $34 million in capital funds for the grants is provided in the 2022-23 state budget.