State Aid for Library Construction Program

Program Overview

Capital funds for the State Aid for Library Construction Program are provided annually in the New York State Budget for library construction and broadband infrastructure projects. The Division of Library Development (DLD) oversees the program administered locally by the state's twenty-three public library systems. The OWWL Library System manages State Aid for Library Construction to the public and association libraries in Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming, and Livingston Counties.

Funds are allocated to public library systems based on formulas in Education Law 273-a. Libraries may qualify for up to 50% of their total project cost and up to 75% if they meet the Reduced Match Eligibility Requirements. Individual awards are determined by the number of libraries applying proportional to available funds and libraries' three-year award history. For FY 2024, funding priority will be given to projects whose primary work is ADA / Accessibility.

Repair and general/routine maintenance are ineligible to receive construction aid funds according to DASNY guidelines.

FY 2024 Project Timeline

• January 31, 2023 @ 4pm FY 2024 State Aid for Library Construction Information Session (virtual)
• May 26, 2023 Intent to Apply with Proof of Available Funds and Contractor Quote(s) due to OWWL Library System
• June 14, 2023 Construction Aid Award Committee meeting
• June 15, 2023 Award notifications sent to libraries
• June 22, 2023 Libraries must affirm that they are moving forward with their projects and may begin their full State Aid for Library Construction applications in the portal
  • Libraries moving forward should renew SAM and start SHPO at this time
• June 27, 2023 @ 4pm Construction Aid Online Grant Portal Training (virtual)
• July 1, 2023 Work may begin on FY 2024 projects (but must not be completed before September 1, 2023)
• September 1, 2023 Full State Aid for Library Construction Applications due to OWWL Library System
• September 13, 2023 Construction Aid Award Committee meeting
• September 14, 2023 Final award notifications sent to libraries
• Late September / Early October 2023 Deadline for OWWL Library System to submit all applications to DLD
• Winter / Spring 2024 DLD reviews applications and then sends them to DASNY for approval
• Late Summer / Early Fall 2024 Libraries are notified of application approval from DLD following DASNY review and approval
• Late Fall 2024 Libraries will receive the initial payment of 90% of their total award amount from NYS
• June 30, 2029 Deadline to close out project
  • The final award payment of 10% will be disbursed when the project close-out has been approved by DLD

Please Note: Funding is not guaranteed until the final review and approval by DASNY. Their review, including a review for bondability by DASNY's bond counsel, is a lengthy process, and libraries should not expect funding within the first fiscal year of the project.

Timeline subject to change to reflect program changes from DLD and/or DASNY.

Intent to Apply

Please use this link to submit your Intent to Apply.

In order for your Intent to Apply to be complete and considered eligible for FY 2024 aid, you must also email Proof of Available Funds and a contractor quote or quotes to programs@owwl.org.

Forms and attachments due by Friday, May 26, 2023.

System Resources

• FY 2024 Info Session Slides
• FY 2024 Info Session Recording
  
• Facilities Planning for Your Library

State Resources

• State Aid for Library Construction webpage
• Frequently Asked Questions
• NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
• NYSL Webinar: Understanding SHPO: A Primer for Library Construction Projects
• Closing a Construction Grant

Changes for FY 2024 Applicants

• Funding priority will be given to projects whose primary work is ADA / Accessibility.
• When applying for projects concerning ADA and accessibility, be sure to use inclusive language (click here for some helpful resources for inclusive words and terms).
• All pre- and post-project photos must be in a single document (either Word or PDF) and clearly labeled. Multiple image uploads will no longer be accepted.
• If you do not own your building and need to show certification of the required ten-year minimum lease/legal agreement, DLD requires a signed letter "from the owner of the building that specifically states the library is guaranteed residence for at least ten years from the anticipated completion date of the project. This guarantee must apply to all areas of the building on which State Aid for Library Construction funds are spent." General/open-ended agreements are no longer accepted.
• Quotes/bids cannot contain contingencies or markups. These types of speculative line items are not eligible for funding.

Recent Updates from DLD

With the passing of Chapter 333 of the Laws of NY 2022, projects funded through the State Aid for Library Construction now have six years to complete project activities.

Education Law 273-a State Aid for Library Construction has been amended to permanently extend the time to complete a public library construction project from four to six years. The new law, Chapter 333 of the Laws of 2022 was effective immediately on June 30, 2022.

The State Aid for Library Construction program provides needed State funding for public library construction projects, including the installation and infrastructure of broadband services, the acquisition of vacant land, and the acquisition, construction, renovation or rehabilitation, including leasehold improvements, of buildings of public and association libraries and public library systems.

With the extension of the project cycle to six years, libraries will have the time needed to complete projects delayed due to Covid and will also be able to apply for larger projects that might require additional time to complete.

Project starts with: 0386-19-****
New timeline: July 1, 2018-June 30, 2024

Project starts with: 0386-20-****
New timeline: July 1, 2019-June 30, 2025

Project starts with: 0386-21-****
New timeline: July 1, 2020-June 30, 2026

Project starts with: 0386-22-****
New timeline: July 1, 2021-June 30, 2027

Project starts with: 0386-23-****
New timeline: July 1, 2022-June 30, 2028

Project starts with: 0386-23-****
New timeline: July 1, 2022-June 30, 2028

System Contact: Suzanne Macaulay

For questions about current or potential State Aid for Library Construction projects or applications, please contact Suzanne Macaulay, Program Director, at programs@owwl.org or 585-394-8260 x1106.

This page will continue to be updated as more information on the FY 2024 State Aid for Library Construction cycle become available.