Supervisor Don Clavin and the Hempstead Town Board have approved more than $340,000 in federal CARES funds for public libraries located throughout America’s largest township. Funds will be provided to the Lakeview Public Library, Island Park Public Library, East Meadow Public Library, Hempstead Public Library, Peninsula Public Library, Baldwin Public Library, Rockville Centre Public Library, Uniondale Public Library, West Hempstead Public Library, Island Trees Library, Levittown Public Library, Elmont Public Library, Franklin Square Public Library, North Bellmore Public Library, Merrick Library, Seaford Public Library and Wantagh Public Library.
“Our public libraries have worked tirelessly to continue serving the community over the past year, but the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a serious financial toll on many of these local institutions,” stated Supervisor Clavin. “The Town of Hempstead is proud to utilize CARES funding to support our libraries during these uncertain times.”
Particularly in small town neighborhoods within the Town of Hempstead, public libraries serve to enrich community members’ lives through cultural and educational experiences, providing access to information and making available a huge collection of books, music, films and more for children, teens and adults.
The COVID-19 relief funds – totaling over $340,259 – will help libraries continue providing essential programs and services to the community, and help reimburse unbudgeted expenses incurred during the pandemic. Most libraries have continued to offer a full complement of services throughout the pandemic with COVID-19 safe measures implemented. Some of the pandemic measures include UV-lighting to disinfect books and printed materials, protective plexiglass and personal protective equipment.
“Libraries are important community resources that have been hit hard during the pandemic, and we are proud to provide this grant funding to help them recover,” said Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby. Added Councilman Bruce Blakeman, “We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to local libraries that have provided so much to our community.”
“No one could have anticipated the impact that COVID-19 would have on libraries and so many other aspects of our daily lives, and these relief funds will go a long way to helping them get back on their feet,” said Councilman Anthony D’Esposito. Added Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., “Libraries provide essential programs and services to the community. The Town of Hempstead is proud to provide more than $300,000 to assist these important neighborhood institutions.”
“Libraries are so much more than brick-and-mortar buildings. It was a no-brainer to utilize COVID funds to help them during these difficult times,” said Councilman Tom Muscarella. Added Councilman Chris Carini, “I am proud to partner with Supervisor Clavin and my colleagues on the Town Board to provide federal CARES funds to help our local libraries.”
“I thank Senator Schumer for securing the federal CARES grant for the Town of Hempstead, which makes community outreach programs like this one possible,” concluded Supervisor Clavin. “No one in our town was spared from the impacts of this pandemic and the financial toll it has taken. We are proud to be able to provide this funding to our neighborhood libraries so they can continue serving the residents of Hempstead Town.”
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