Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
New York Public Library thanks B.P. Molinaro for renovations to West New Brighton branch
Directed $145,000 for new front steps and landing, and new computers
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – To officially thank Borough President James P. Molinaro for funding exterior renovations and computer technology at the West New Brighton branch, the New York Public Library today invited Molinaro for a tour of the Castleton Avenue facility.
In June, the West New Brighton Library re-opened after a $468,000 renovation, including the restoration of the front steps and landing, reconfiguration of the ramp to make the building fully accessible and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as the addition of exterior lighting.
Molinaro allocated $105,000 towards the improvements, with the remainder funded through Councilman Michael McMahon’s office and the NYPL’s operating budget. In addition, Molinaro donated $40,000 to the branch for new computers.
“A strong library makes for a strong community, and with these exterior renovations and new computers, I expect that this branch will become even more popular among Staten Islanders of all ages who seek enrichment through learning,” said Molinaro. “Now patrons can check out a computer to be used in the library.”
NYPL President Paul LeClerc said, “The Library is extremely grateful to Borough President Molinaro and Council Member McMahon for supporting the improvements at the West New Brighton branch. The new steps and new lighting will make the branch far more accessible and easy to use for anyone who comes to take advantage of its many resources.”
Molinaro was given a tour of the improved facility by Mary Frances Cooper, Deputy Director for Public Services of The Branch Libraries; and Tara McGuire, Supervising Librarian of the West New Brighton branch, who showed the Borough President a children’s craft program, as well as a demonstration on how patrons can check out a laptop computer.
August 31, 2006