East Hampton Library Gives Thanks for $340K Grant

Representatives from local libraries that received state grants to offset the costs of construction projects offered their thanks on Thursday to the legislators who helped secure the funding.

In the midst of its much anticipated 6,800-square-foot children's wing addition, the East Hampton Library is getting $342,262 as part of the New York State Public Construction Grants program. The total project cost is $5.8 million.

The library, along with the John Jermain Memorial Library in Sag Harbor, the Shelter Island Public Library, and the Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library, will receive $724,655 in total.

John Jermain's $13.5 million construction project will receive $227,041 to go toward the restoration of the 101-year-old building. The expansion project at the library begins this summer, and the move-in date is winter or spring 2014.

On Shelter Island, $91,590 will help improve efficiency, accessibility and safety at the library. Renovations that will provide better accessibility for the disabled were given a high priority.

Gathering at the East Hampton Library on Thursday, from left to right in the photograph, was New York State Sen. Kenneth, P. LaValle, East Hampton Library Director Dennis Fabiszak, Donald L. Hunting, the president of the East Hampton Library Board of Managers, New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr, John Howard Lebwith, the East Hampton Library Board of Managers, Gail Parker, the East Hampton Library Board of Managers, Denise DiPaolo, Director of the Shelter Island Public Library, and Bruce Collins, East Hampton Library Board of Managers.