Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C-Merrick) announced that the Levittown Public Library has been awarded $137,226 in public library construction funds. The funds will enable the Levittown Public Library to reconstruct the lower level of the library to create additional meeting rooms, an ADA compliant bathroom, renovation of existing bathroom, and construction of a new computer lab and computer office.

The grant funds are from a special allocation of $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided by the New York State Legislature in the 2007-08 Budget.

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 $2.1 billion. More than 40 percent of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Another 30 percent are more than three decades old. Many of New York's local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, cannot provide Internet and computer and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring, do not have sufficient space to house the library's collection, and lack sufficient space for public access computers.

Public library construction grants help local libraries and library systems to build new libraries, create additions, update electrical wiring to accommodate computer technology, meet standards of energy efficiency, renovate facilities to provide wheelchair accessible entrances and lavatories to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, and provide meeting rooms to accommodate community needs.

The ongoing annual funding from New York State for public library construction is only $800,000. The announced grants are separate from those under the ongoing annual appropriation.

"Libraries are an integral part of our community and I am pleased that the Legislature was able to provide this funding," concluded Assemblyman David McDonough.