A major state grant is giving a big boost to plans for a new Skaneateles Library.
The Skaneateles Library has been awarded $1.17 million through the New York State Library Construction Aid Program to support its building project at 75 Fennell Street.
The funding will help cover key construction-related costs, including the foundation and early stages of the build. Officials said the award strengthens the library’s long-term ability to serve the community.
“This $1.17 million New York State construction grant is a powerful vote of confidence in our vision for a new library in Skaneateles,” said Library Board President Dave Hempson. “It moves us meaningfully closer to our $15 million fundraising goal and helps ensure that our community will have a flexible and welcoming space that serves residents of all ages for generations to come.”
The grant is part of the state’s annual Library Construction Aid Program, which supports public library construction, renovation, accessibility improvements, energy efficiency, and infrastructure upgrades.
Library leaders said the award brings the total state funding received through this program to just under $1.5 million.
The construction grant represents one piece of a larger funding plan. To date, the library has raised $7.2 million through fundraising, with additional support coming from private gifts, community contributions, and future grants.
“We are incredibly grateful for this significant investment from New York State,” said Capital Campaign Chair Erin McCormack. “It will play an important role in helping us move forward responsibly and thoughtfully.”
Executive Director Andrea Snyder said the funding highlights the role libraries play beyond books.
“Libraries are essential community infrastructure,” Snyder said. “This grant recognizes the important role the Skaneateles Library plays in education, access, and civic life, and it helps ensure we can continue serving residents for generations to come.”
More information about the project and fundraising efforts is available at ittakesalibrary.org.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].