Christopher Stazio
Member Services
80 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12248
518.455.5981

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: **March 18, 2010** *

*CONTACT: (914) 686-7335*

*ASSEMBLYMAN CASTELLI ANNOUNCES *

*LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION GRANTS*

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Assemblyman Robert J, Castelli (R, C, I – Goldens Bridge) today
announced that the Mount Kisco Public Library has been awarded a New
York State Public Library Construction grant for $118,194. The funding
will be used to install electrical wiring for the new 18,500-square-foot
library building.

“As a professional educator, I believe that libraries are important
educational tools and are vital resources for our communities, providing
essential services to New Yorkers,” Castelli said. “Libraries serve as
learning centers for both children and adults, and these grants will
provide the funding necessary to update libraries throughout Westchester
County and the State to ensure that they are accessible to all patrons,
while providing the best possible learning environments.”

Assemblyman Castelli noted that New York’s public libraries are in
urgent need of renovation and upgrading. A recent survey showed a
documented need for public library construction and renovation projects
totaling more than $2.53 billion. More than 40% of the over 1,000 public
library buildings in communities across New York are over 60-years-old.
Another 30% are more than three decades old.

“It is important that the State continues to set aside funding to make
certain that libraries continue to provide our communities with an
invaluable wealth of educational resources,” Castelli said. “With
unemployment at a record high, libraries are especially vital to job
development for the many individuals who need their services. I will
continue to advocate on behalf of the many services libraries provide
during upcoming budget negotiations.”

The grant was one of two awarded to the Westchester Library System by
the New York State Library, which is a program of the Office of Cultural
Education in the New York State Education Department.

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