Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced that he fought to secure over $114,000 in construction grants to improve the Northern Onondaga Public Library in Cicero. The funding was included in the 2013-14 budget for renovations and construction projects to enhance public libraries and library systems.

“Libraries are the heart of our communities where young minds can delve into worlds of imagination,” Assemblyman Stirpe said. “Today’s libraries offer our communities more than just a book to read, they are a place to bring people together and a place to learn. My goal is to make sure that our libraries continue to be an essential part of our home.”

Assemblyman Stirpe has fought to increase public library funding over the years and recently teamed up with area schools to promote summer reading by issuing this year’s Assembly Summer Reading Challenge. Schools were provided materials to help encourage young students to continue reading throughout the summer in order to keep their reading skills sharp for the start of the next school year.

“We’re very grateful to our local legislators for their support of the New York State Public Library Construction Grant Program,” Kate McCaffrey, Director of Northern Onondaga Public Library said. “A new HVAC system for NOPL at Cicero will conserve energy and reduce utility bills, and the building will be more comfortable for library users. And staff members will be able to take their space heaters and portable fans home! Best of all, the additional funding will mean that more of our operating funds can go to support library collections and services.”

For more information on Assemblyman Stirpe’s Summer Reading Challenge or finding a library near you, feel free to contact his office at 315-452-1115.