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Schenectady County Celebrates Grand Opening of New Children’s Wing and Central Library Expansion

July 30, 2012

Schenectady, NY — Schenectady County officials were joined today by Schenectady County Public Library Board of Trustees President Esther Swanker, members of the Library Board, Friends of the Library, and major donors for the official grand opening of the new Children’s Wing at the Central Library Branch. A ribbon cutting ceremony kicked-off the celebration of the completion of the 6,700 square foot expansion project.

“This has been a great example of a public, private partnership that works,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Legislature’s Education and Libraries Committee. “I thank the Library Board of Trustees and all of the donors for their efforts and commitment to our library and the children of Schenectady County.”

“This really is a great day for the residents of Schenectady County, especially our children,” said Karen Johnson, Vice Chair of the Legislature’s Education and Libraries Committee. “It is exciting to have this new children’s wing so that our children and families can enjoy their time together while learning.”

The expansion includes a 6,700 square foot library addition and the creation of a new children’s area. The new children’s space will allow the library to bring more creative programming to Schenectady County and expand our toddler and summer reading groups. This expansion will make additional space available for technology services including computer terminals. The first floor and lobby areas are also undergoing renovation including recently completed upgrades to the library’s restrooms.

The Schenectady County Legislature is investing $1.5 million in County funds to be matched by private grants and donations secured by the Library Board of Trustees. The Wright Family Foundation has committed $500,000, the Schenectady Foundation has committed $100,000, and the Friends of the Library has committed an additional $250,000 to the project. This funding is in addition to County funding of $2 million in upgrades already completed to the library’s heating and cooling, electrical, fire safety, and ventilation systems and asbestos abatement.

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