Published: September 01, 2008 11:26 pm            

LEWISTON: Library receives energy grant

LEWISTON — Thanks to a big grant, the Lewiston Public Library’s future is looking a little bit brighter. The library has been awarded $150,000 in state funds toward energy-saving improvements.

A New York State Power Authority audit, completed in December and sponsored by Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte, determined the library had about 15 areas where it could improve its energy efficiency, from better heating, air conditioning and ventilation to better-insulated doors.

Ronald Shaw, the library’s executive director, said once the $150,000 worth of improvements are completed, the library will save “several thousand dollars” a year on energy costs.

Possible changes will include energy-saving HVAC, lights, sliding glass under the main reading room skylight and computers, as well as environmentally sound landscaping and even recycled carpets. The improvements will be part of an effort to meet LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, certification.

“If we can hopefully make this a LEED certified building, it will be a tremendous asset to the community at large and a model in energy efficiency to the county,” DelMonte said.

Estimates for each of the separate improvements will be completed and work should be approved by October, Shaw said. The grant money will be given in reimbursements, so the library will used its limited capital funds to update HVAC and begin work on the next upgrade after money is received from the state.

“We’ll start with the heating and air conditioning — if you go through the building, you’ll walk into one room and it’ll be 80 degrees while the main reading area will be 65,” Shaw said.

DelMonte, D-Lewiston, helped secure the money for the Town of Lewiston, initially for a public golf course. After the Seneca Nation of Indians took over the project privately, the grant was rerouted to the library, which was facing ballooning energy and personnel costs, said Supervisor Fred Newlin.

“We’ve got a first rate golf course and now we’ve got a big check to create a first rate library,” Newlin said at a check presentation Wednesday. “... This will make sure well be spending less on electricity and heat and more on books.”

Contact reporter Caitlin Murrayat 282-2311, ext. 2251.

        

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