Assemblyman Joe Giglio (R,I,C-Gowanda) today announced two area libraries will receive a combined $170,000 in public library construction funds as part of a one-time allocation of $14 million in capital funds provided by the New York State Legislature in the 2006-2007 State Budget.

David A. Howe Public Library in Wellsville is being awarded approximately $143,000 for projects, including a roof replacement on the structure’s auditorium and the construction of wheelchair ramps to provide access to the library’s main floor.

The Alleghany Public Library will receive $16,500 for window restoration and replacement.

“New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading,” said Giglio, the former Ranking Minority member of the Assembly Libraries and Education Technology Committee.

A recent survey showed a documented need for public library construction and renovation projects totaling $1.7 billion. Of the more than 1,000 public libraries across New York state, more than 40% are over 60 years old. Another 30% are more than three decades old.

“Libraries are an important resource for our children and their education,” said Giglio. “It is essential that our communities have functioning libraries with new books and updated technology so that citizens have access to the important benefits they provide.”

“These grants are an important part of restoring a vital public resource and I will continue to push for increased funding for libraries so that they may continue to serve the public as effectively and efficiently as possible,” Giglio added.

More public library construction grant recipients will be announced over the coming months.