State Senator George Borrello trying out one of the reading nooks at the Livonia Library in April 2021

The James Prendergast Library has received a nearly $215,000 grant for renovations at the library.

State Senator George Borrello announced the Prendergast Library was awarded the funding from the state Public Library Construction Grants.

He said the funding will enable libraries to better meet the needs of their patrons by increasing accessibility and modernizing facilities while reducing operating costs. The awards are from $34 million in capital funds allocated by the Legislature for public library construction and renovation as part of the 2022-23 state budget.

The Prendergast Library will use $214,984 to replace the entire H-VAC system, upgrade its computer system and install a patio and outdoor walkway for outdoor programs.

Other libraries in Chautauqua County that received construction grants include the Lakewood Memorial Library which will receive $194,868 to renovate its bathrooms to current standards, replace its roof and upgrade its HVAC system.

The Patterson Library in Westfield will receive $5,427 to replace old, outdated fluorescent and halogen lighting with energy efficient LEDs.

And the Ripley Public Library will receive $33,481 to upgrade its windows, plumbing, heating and Air Conditioning; and carpet.

The Lakewood Memorial Library

WEST ELLICOTT – Residents in the Southwestern School District will have to pay a library tax the next time their school tax bills are due.

By a narrow margin of 425-413, district voters approved a referendum to establish an annual $204,000 library tax levy, with the money going to both the Lakewood Memorial Library and the Hazeltine Public Library in Busti.

Starting in 2019, the Lakewood library will receive $139,000 annually while the Hazeltine Public Library will receive $65,000. The referendum was put on the ballot due to financial challenges facing both libraries.

Property owners throughout the school district will see a library tax rate of about $0.32 per thousand assessed value. That means a home valued at $75,000 would pay an annual tax of $24.

State law requires the proposed creation of any library taxing district to be put up for a public vote by the school district in which the library is located.

Voters also approved the $28.69 million 2018-19 school budget and the $368 million school bus purchase proposition – both by a 2 to 1 margin.

Image from the Lakewood Memorial Library Facebook page.

WEST ELLICOTT – When voters in the Southwestern School District vote on this year’s budget, there will also be a referendum to establish a library tax for both the Lakewood Memorial Library and the Hazeltine Public Library in Busti.

The referendum calls for an annual library tax levy of $204,000, with $139,000 for Lakewood library and $65,000 for the Hazeltine library.

If approved, property owners throughout the school district would see a library tax rate of about $0.32 per thousand assessed value. That means a home valued at $75,000 would pay an annual tax of $24.  The tax levy would be permanent but would not be able to be removed or adjusted without another public referendum.

State law requires the proposed creation of any library taxing district to be put up for a public vote by the school district in which the library is located.

Meanwhile, spending for the proposed budget for the 2018-19 school year is $28.69 million – an increase of $1.32 million from the current school year. It calls for a tax levy increase of .09 percent over the current year.

the district’s budget vote and Board of Education election will take place in the high school lobby from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.