Nearly $150K Awarded to Improve Two Erie County Libraries
The state Department of Education revealed a list of 21 Keystone Grant recipients, including two in Erie County.
The Raymond M. Blasco, MD Memorial Library was awarded $117,757.50 to build ADA-accessible restrooms on the second floor and to upgrade the elevator system.
“Blasco brings our community together in the best possible ways – for learning, storytelling, community events and exhibits that celebrate our unique Erie culture and history," said state Rep Bob Merski. "The funding awarded today is going to help modernize some of the facilities, so visitors have the best possible experience.”
The Albion Area Public Library was awarded $29,910 to replace a crumbling ADA-accessible ramp to the library.
“It’s way more than books -- public libraries and their staff have been called second responders,” state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro said. “Every day there are librarians connecting people from all backgrounds with critical services, resources, education and more.”
Grants pay up to 50 percent of eligible costs in planning, acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of public libraries.