- By Dan Veaner
- News
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$100,000 For Lansing Library
The Lansing Community Library Center was filled to capacity for a presentation by State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio at 11 AM Saturday morning. Town and library officials were alerted that the senator would be making monetary presentation fot the library's Phase 2 construction fund, but did not know the amount. Speculation was that he would be presenting about $50,000, but nobody could confirm that figure.
When Senator Nozzolio presented a larger-than-life check for $100,000 everyone present was delighted. "I'm almost speechless," exclaimed Kathy Miller, who heads fund raising for the Center.
(Left to Right) Councilman Marty Christopher, Councilman Doug McEver, Senator Mike Nozzolio, Library Board member Sandy Dhimitri, Library Fund Raiser Kathy Miller, Library Treasurer Cliff Buck, Town Supervisor Steven Farkas, Shalyn Watson (the Farkas' granddaughter), Alice Farkas, Jill Warner
Senator Nozzolio said, "I know how important libraries are. Libraries are the window on the world for all of us." He said he was about 6 years old when he got his first library card, and that he "wouldn't have had the opportunities this great democracy gives us if I hadn't had access to libraries." He spoke of the "great spirit of support in this community," saying "I wanted to do all I can."
"It's more than a library. It brings the town together," said Ms. Miller, "This facility is for young and old alike. And everybody comes." Cliff Buck, treasurer for the Library said the money will help raise funds in the community. "It helps people to know there is some substance, some support." The state grant represents 2/5 of the $250,000 goal, and the library has reached approximately 75% of that.
Phase Two of the library construction is mainly on the ground floor of the library building, adding a reading room, board room, computer room and other facilities that will allow more room for stacks. Eventually the entrance will be moved to the back of the building, facing the Town Hall. The downstairs facilities can not be open to the public until handicap access is in place, but the facilities are in use for book preparation.
Volunteer Ann Marie Hautaniemi said that someone has donated French doors for the board room. "Donations can take any form," she said.
Senator Nozzolio also had a "four letter word" for the library. He presented a poster featuring himself and the word "read" to the library board. This grant adds to over $2,000,000 in state funding that Senator Nozzolio has secured for local libraries.
Town Supervisor Steven Farkas said, "I would like to thank Senator Nozzolio for his commitment to the Lansing Community Library Center and for his hard work in securing this important state funding. Senator Nozzolio has been a generous benefactor to many libraries in our region and this funding will allow the Lansing Community Library Center to continue to provide residents with access to books and resources that help to expand horizons. I am extremely proud of all the folks who have worked so hard to make this a reality."
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