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Library Main Entrance To Get Facelift

Pictured is Stephen Sellstrom, Carnahan-Jackson Foundation board member; Anne Greene, executive director of the James Prendergast Library, and Dan Hickman, library board president, with one of the new hand dryers for the public restrooms. File-photo

The James Prendergast library will receive a front entrance facelift beginning in January.

According to Anne Greene, library executive director, the library received a $214,473 grant from the New York Construction Grant program to help offset the cost of the repairs, upgrades and expansion of the front entrance of the building at 509 Cherry St.

“This grant will cover 75% of the total project cost,” said Greene. “The Sheldon Foundation awarded us a grant for $35,745, or 12.5%, of the total project. Additionally, the Lenna Foundation, also awarded us a grant for $35,745, finishing off the remaining 12.5% of the cost.”

In all, Greene reported that the total cost of the project is $285,964 and she expected the work to be complete by the spring.

Additionally, the library finished a public restrooms upgrade project in October. The project focused on upgrades to improve energy efficiency and waste management, while emphasizing health and safety; removing the usage of what amounted to more than 48,000 feet of paper towels yearly.

“This project was funded because of a generous grant we received from the Carnahan-Jackson Foundation,” said Greene.

Greene, reported on some of the library’s programming usage, and highlighted some of the more notable upticks.

“Our Pumpkin Painting was a big hit,” she said. “We had more than 70 children register for this program with 140 people in attendance.”

Another key point, highlighted by Greene, was the library’s Children’s Board Books usage.

“We changed the board books to a forward-facing display -which is perfect for children,” she said. “Children often select books based on the picture on the cover. Since implementing the new display method, the circulation of board books has increased significantly. With two months left in the year, overall board book circulation is already up 40% from 2023.”

Greene said the eBooks and eAudiobook circulation has begun to surpass 2020 COVID-19 circulation numbers. She reported that it is on pace to increase 4% from 2023 and 9% from 2021.

Additionally, Greene announced that there will be changes to a staple fundraising event the library has held for the past three-years.

“In October we held our third annual Haunting at the Library,” said Greene. “We had more than 160 people attend this year’s event. This year’s theme was the Wizard of Oz. However, next year instead of doing another Haunting at the Library we will shake things up a little and host a dinner themed party.”

Green reported that the library will host a free community Gingerbread House Workshop on Dec. 14. with sessions from noon to 1 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.

Registration is required by calling the library at 716-484-7135, ext. 234, or visiting the library and signing up at the Children’s Room Desk. The library also has limited Take ‘N Make Kits available.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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