Somers Library Receives $120k Grant

SOMERS, N.Y. - Somers is among six communities in the 40th Senate District to be awarded state funding for various library projects.

The town owns the building in which the local library is located, Supervisor Robert Scorrano explained.

Once the Town Board formally accepts the $120,187 grant, the money can be applied to the teen room project, he said.

“Libraries are such an integral part of our communities, providing a variety of vital educational resources to students, seniors and other residents,” said Sen. Pete Harckham (D-Lewisboro) said, pointing to the importance of funding capital projects that “foster inclusive environments.”

“Libraries are more than just books; investments are needed in facilities and equipment,” he added.

According to a press release issued by the senator’s office, Somers Library Director Jessica Veissy said that the proposed teen room will create a space for teens to socialize, do homework, and participate in events.

This will help “foster lifelong learning and community,” Veissy said, adding that the library was “truly looking forward to providing teens (with) a welcoming environment for many years to come.”

Other libraries receiving funding within Halston Media’s coverage area are the John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak ($233,110 to upgrade building fire safety features, purchase audiovisual equipment, replace carpeting, and other things) and the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library in North Salem ($17,201 to upgrade electrical and security systems).

The other three recipients are the Chappaqua Library ($45,469 for audiovisual equipment upgrades and ADA accessibility), the Patterson Public Library ($138,663 to install reading niches in the new adult collection area), and the Hendrick Hudson Free Library in Montrose ($9,850 to upgrade its security camera system).

Hart director Yvonne Cech said that for many decades the library has “not been updated to keep up with these changes.”

The 50 percent matching grant from the (New York State Library Construction Fund) will enable it to make “significant and much-needed interior improvements,” she said, expressing gratitude to Harckham’s office for its assistance and support.

Libraries Aging 

The money came from $34 million set aside in the 2024-2025 state budget for public library construction and broadband infrastructure projects.

According to Harckham, public libraries are in “urgent need of renovation and upgrading.”

A recent survey showed that there is more than $1.75 billion in construction and renovation projects waiting for funding.

More than half of the 1,000 public library buildings in New York state are more than 60 years old and many more are more than 30 years old.