JOHNSTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY
                               38 South Market Street
                              Johnstown, New York 12095
                                  (518) 762-8317

February 24, 1994


Honorable Hugh Farley
Legislative office Building
Room 412
Albany, New York 12247

Dear Senator Farley:

Thank you for the opportunity to submit a proposal for a
legislative grant.  As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Libraries
you are well aware of the challenges that public libraries face,
particularly in the area of facilities management.  Our community
has made it clear that they would like us to remain in our 1902
Carnegie building which is a rich resource in the downtown
environment.  We therefore are undertaking an estimated
$2,000,000 renovation and expansion long range program.

The Board of Trustees with the assistance of Architecture + of
Troy. New York has divided the initial Phase into two components.
Phase 1, Part I addresses compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act and is estimated to cost $500 - $600,000.  The
following elements of new construction and renovation to the
existing facility will be included in Part 1:
             1. New handicap entrance
             2. New elevator to provide 3-floor access
             3. New accessible reference shelving
             4. New accessible circulation desk
             5. New accessible bathrooms.

Phase 1, Part 2 addresses the correction of deficiencies in the
existing building which are considered high priority.  They are
estimated to cost $225,000 and include exterior and interior
tasks such as:
             1. Window replacement
             2. Foundation repair
             3. Masonry repointing
             4. Interior wall repair and/or replacement
             5. Lighting system update
             6. Installation of new heating system






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                  JOHNSTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY
                   38 South Market Street
                  Johnstown, New York 12095
                        (518) 762-8317


The Mayor and Common Council recognize the worthiness of Library
renovation and expansion, but face numerous State and Federal
mandates which stretch the community's tax base to the limit.  We
therefore respectfully request a legislative grant of $100,000 to
assist us in the funding of our project.  Other avenues of
funding are being explored, including an application for a
Library Services and Construction Act grant.  Enclosed are
letters of support written by a representative sampling of
community leaders and library users.

Thank you again for the opportunity to present our proposal.  We
are confident that you will assist us whenever possible.  If you
have any questions, please do not hesitate to telephone me at
762-9776.  Also, we would be pleased to offer you a tour of the
facility in order to more clearly illustrate the renovation and
expansion needs. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely yours,



Barbara Germain
Director

Enc.
CC: Assemblyman Anthony Casale

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