Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Libraries And Culture topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Richmond Memorial Library receives $35,000 grant; seeks state construction funds for ADA upgrades
Summary
Library director Samantha Strykers told the board the district‑owned Richmond Memorial Library installed a new emergency boiler, applied for a New York State construction grant to renovate lower‑level ADA‑noncompliant restrooms and received a $35,000 Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation grant to create a 'library of things.'
Samantha Strykers, director of the Richmond Memorial Library, reported to the board that the library—housed in a district‑owned building—completed an emergency boiler replacement and is pursuing capital work to improve accessibility.
Strykers said the library applied for a New York State construction grant (Department of Library Development) to renovate lower‑level restrooms that are not currently ADA compliant and to create an accessible area of refuge. She noted State Education Department (SED) approvals and collaboration with the district and an architect will be required for any renovation because the school district owns the building.
Strykers also said the library received a $35,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation to seed a "library of things"—non‑book items for loan such as sports equipment, telescopes and gardening tools—and plans to weatherize an existing carriage‑house outbuilding to store the collection. She described starting with non‑power tools and recreational items and said the carriage‑house doors will be replaced to make the space usable.
The director thanked district facilities staff (Jason and Andy) for expedited help on the emergency boiler and said the library will find out next year whether the state construction grant is approved.
