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“I couldn’t be happier to announce these grants across my district,” said State Sen. Greg Ball, who represents the 40th State Senate District. “This will help many of them to make much needed upgrades and provide the best possible service and technology to the residents they serve.”
The grants are provided through a $14 million capital fund appropriation for public libraries included in the 2012 State Budget.
The Ruth Keeler Library was awarded $12,250 toward installing a generator to prevent continual flooding when its sump pumps fail. The funds may also be used to add a chlorination system to counteract the E-coli and coliform recently detected in the library’s well water.
The Ruth Keeler Memorial Library provided an oasis for storm victims during the autumn storms of 2012 because a generator to back up electrical service had been recently installed. Funds for that generator were raised through a raffle and through private donations.
Flooding of the basement has long been a problem in the building, so a generator to control the sump pumps will be a welcome accessory.
A public library in North Salem originated through a 1932 donation of 1,600 books from the Universalist Church. They were initially housed in two rooms in the Town House, were relocated several times and finally found a permanent home in 1980, with the construction of a library building. That building was largely expanded and renovated in 2003. In 2005 it was re-named The Ruth Keeler Memorial Library in recognition of a major contribution from the Ruth Keeler Charitable Trust, enabling the library to pay off its mortgage.
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