As part of a series of construction grants awarded to libraries throughout New York State, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo announced today nearly $9,702 was awarded to the George F. Johnson Memorial Library in Endicott.

“Our libraries are important resources for the community,” Assemblywoman Lupardo (D-Endwell) said. “Many of the buildings, however, are aging and are in need of upgrades that will help the libraries better serve residents.”

The Endicott Library will use the funding to add two new emergency exits to its building on Park St. A new exit door will be added to the library’s children’s room as well as an exit in the book sale room in the basement. The funding comes from a $19 million capital appropriation in the 2016-17 NYS budget for construction and renovation of public libraries across the state.

“Each of these rooms currently have only one door to enter and exit,” said Ed Dunscombe, Director of the George F. Johnson Memorial Library. “These new exits are necessary to provide enhanced safety; we hope to never have to use them, but it gives the library and our patrons’ peace of mind that they’re there.”

The George F. Johnson Memorial Library opened in 1951 at the site of the former home of the head of the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Corporation, for whom the library is named. In 1967, the current facility at 1001 Park St. opened its doors and today houses more than 90,000 volumes. It receives 126,000 visits and circulates 161,000 items per year, making it the second-most active of the 43 libraries in the Four County Library System.