P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

Seven libraries in Chautauqua County will receive funding by the New York State Department of Education.

The money — $34 million in total across all projects in New York — will be used to support construction and renovation projects, Commissioner MaryEllen Elia announced

Specifically, the funds will help libraries construct new buildings, create additions, update electrical wiring and computer technology, improve broadband infrastructure, meet energy efficiency standards, renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, and provide meeting spaces to accommodate community needs.

“When we invest in public libraries, we invest in our communities,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. “This state aid will help over 250 libraries make much-needed renovations or upgrades so they can best serve the children, families and adults who visit every day.”

Locally, the following libraries will receive state funding:

¯ James Prendergast Free Library, 509 Cherry St., Jamestown — $183,969 for window replacement and interior renovations;

¯ Ripley Public Library, 64 W. Main St., Ripley — $217,500 for elevator and second floor renovations;

¯ Anderson-Lee Library, 43 Main St., Silver Creek — $5,127 for emergency efficient lighting installation;

¯ Bemus Point Public Library, 13 Main St., Bemus Point — $57,593 to renovate restrooms to be ADA compliant and new automatic front door;

¯ Clymer-French Creek Free Library, 564 Clymer-Sherman Road, Clymer — $21,255 for ADA compliant entrance and restrooms, in addition to other interior and exterior renovations;

¯ Dunkirk Public Library, 536 Central Ave., Dunkirk — $29,151 for work on front stairs and doors;

¯ Hazeltine Public Library, 891 Busti Sugargrove Road, Jamestown — $35,100 for plumbing upgrades to meet county code.

In Cattaraugus County, four libraries — Allegany Public Library, Blount Library, Memorial Library Of Little Valley and Olean Public Library — will also receive funding for a variety of projects.

“Public libraries are there to support learners of every age, ability and background and are a focal part of their community – that’s why it’s so important to invest in our libraries,” Elia said. “These funds will help libraries expand their program spaces, make necessary building repairs and upgrades, and provide computer technology that people rely on every day. We thank the Governor and the State Legislature for committing these funds for New York’s libraries.”