The Manlius Library is one of three libraries in the 127th State Assembly District who will receive grant funds for vital renovations and repairs, and Manlius has big plans to update its facilities to make it more technologically-friendly with an expanded teen center.
Manlius is expected to receive $24,763 to renovate the quiet reading room, announced Assemblyman Al Stirpe in a recent press release. Two other libraries in the 127th district will receive funds, including $14,775 to the Northern Onondaga Public Library in North Syracuse and $4,575 for the Northern Onondaga Public Library at Brewerton. According to Stirpe, the money will come from a $14 million capital fund from the 2014-15 New York State Budget, which will allow for needed repairs and renovations and to improve energy-efficiency in libraries across the state.
According to Manlius Library Director Jen Milligan, the library is planning to use this money to create a teen and technology room in the area of the former quiet reading room. This new space will include charging stations, laptops for use within the library and furniture that is easy to move around to allow a space for collaboration and use of technology.
The decision to pursue this project came from a Manlius Library patron survey administered in 2014 that showed people were looking for access to places they could use technology, said Milligan.
“It’s going to be a very exciting, fresh looking space,” said Milligan. “I think most people use technology now and they come to the library not just for books, but as a place to get work done. We’re trying to make sure that we’re offering more spaces for that.”
The Manlius library has started the project and already has completed moving and converting the reading room into a reading lounge, located near the check-out desk, and has already ordered new furniture for the teen and technology space, said Milligan. They plan to unveil the new room at the Manlius Library’s centennial celebration on Oct. 17.
“It’s a very exciting time at the Manlius Library and we hope that everyone will enjoy it and join us on Oct. 17 for the unveiling of the new room and to celebrate 100 years of being a central part of the community,” said Milligan.
For more information about the Manlius Library, visit manliuslibrary.org.
Hayleigh Gowans is a reporter for the Eagle Bulletin. She can be reached at [email protected].
