Milton and Marlboro Libraries receive $10,000 grants

By Mark Reynolds
Posted 9/28/21

Last week Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson [D-104] presented the Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library in Milton and the Marlboro Free Library with special NYS Assembly grants checks, each in the amount of …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Milton and Marlboro Libraries receive $10,000 grants

Posted

Last week Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson [D-104] presented the Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library in Milton and the Marlboro Free Library with special NYS Assembly grants checks, each in the amount of $10,000.

“Libraries play an essential role in every successful community. Libraries are foundations for young people to explore the world beyond their neighborhoods and classrooms. They also provide a way for adults to expand their skills and horizons and for seniors to enjoy programming and the chance to interact with others,” he said.

Jacobson added that during the pandemic, libraries stepped up and helped students and members of the community stay connected.

Jacobson noted that the Milton library is nearly 100 years old and the $10,000 will help Library Director Lois H. Skelly and Rosemary Wein, President of the Library Board of Trustees, make much needed upgrades to their heating, air conditioning and ventilation system.

“This library is a great facility and this new system will not only save money in the long run but will make the facility a safer place to use,” he said.

Jacobson said the money came from some of the discretionary funds in the state budget. He expects the libraries will receive this money in the very near future as it has already been approved by the NYS Department of Education.

Director Skelly said during the pandemic they rearranged the interior of the library and their procedures to keep people safe. The new HVAC system will help them to balance the interior environment and keep people safer during any future airborne emergency.

Wein said during the pandemic they realized how outdated their ventilation system was, “and this money is really going to be crucial for making our building safer for patrons and our staff and will really help us to maintain this historic resource for our community.”

At the Marlboro Free Library, Jacobson also announced that he was able to secure $10,000 that they will use for their STEAM program.

Jacobson said, “In the past libraries were a place where people came to read and borrow books. In the 21st century libraries do so much more, including preparing our kids to thrive in a digital age. This is why I am proud and excited to award the Marlboro Free Library $10,000 to expand its children’s STEAM program, that’s science, technology, engineering arts and math.”

Library Director Christina Jennerich said this funding, “will go a long way in moving forward with our STEAM program take home kits for the children of Marlborough.” They will be targeting upper elementary students, 4th through 6th grades.

Supervisor Al Lanzetta called Assemblyman Jacobson, “a true partner with the Town of Marlborough, a friend, and somebody who is good to know, especially when he gives out grants. I want to thank you personally and thank you from the community of Marlborough. We appreciate everything that you’ve done.”

Children’s Librarian Taylor Dominick said during the pandemic they developed take home craft kits for the kids when the library was not open. The kits were quite popular and they noticed that the children needed more educational materials. They will provide student microscopes, telescopes, models of the human body and of cells, some math manipulatives, “and I think the home school families will appreciate it a lot. We’ll start with about 5 or 6 kits and see where it goes and make sure they’re getting checked out and we’ll expand it from there.”

The library is also looking into procuring more iPads that are used to control the robotics they have at the library, “and that will help me with our STEAM program.”

Jacobson said providing funding for these kinds of programs, “is probably one of the biggest bangs for the buck that you can do.”