County awards $200,000 grant to the Millbrook Library

County awards $200,000 grant to the Millbrook Library
From left, 7-year-olds Isabella Blum and Nora Diamant painted faces on pumpkins during the Millbrook Arts Group's Fall in Love With Millbrook Day, which was held at the Millbrook Library last autumn.
Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

MILLBROOK — Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced on Tuesday, Jan. 11, that the much-loved Millbrook Library will be receiving an infrastructure grant to the tune of $200,000.

It was welcome news to Millbrook Library Director Courtney Tshalis and her library staff, as it will be used the make the library more comfortable for patrons as well as its workers.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this funding and want to thank Legislator Deirdre Houston (R-25) and all those in the Dutchess County Legislature who supported this grant, as well as Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro for recognizing the critical need for funding for infrastructure projects,” said Tshalis. “This funding will help make our building more sustainable and accessible.”

Houston, whose district covers parts of the Harlem Valley including the village of Millbrook, was recently re-elected to her third term.

“More than ever, many Dutchess County residents need the vital services these important organizations provide,” she said. “I’m proud of the County’s Agency Partner Grant [APG] Infrastructure Program, as well as my legislative colleagues’ support, which made it possible, enabling these nonprofits to deliver these critical programs.”

Tshalis said the money would be used to help the library replace its “aging heating and cooling system with an electrical system that is more energy-efficient.”

She added, “Our HVAC system does pretty well during the winter, but cannot handle summer heat and humidity — in some parts of the building it can reach 80 degrees during the summer. It’s uncomfortable for both patrons and staff.”

Molinaro announced last week’s award in this first round of grants; $904,500 will be divided among six different projects to be doled out by the county for important infrastructure projects.

The grant was supported by the 2022 Dutchess County APG  infrastructure program. APGs are awarded to local nonprofit agencies to use for capital and operate infrastructure initiatives, which the county said are “vital to cover service gaps and other needs.”

In December 2021, the Dutchess County Legislature allocated $3 million in the county budget for the APG program.  The county plans to announce additional grants in the near future.

The Millbrook Library also received funds from Dutchess Invests, the Learn, Play, Create grant program in June of 2021, also allocated by Molinaro.

In that instance, $50,000 was used to update the library's children’s space with new furniture, technology and books.

The Learn, Play, Create grant was part of a $3 million one-time grant for local nonprofit groups in Dutchess to help lessen the burden of organizations struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Molinaro’s office stressed that the importance of local libraries cannot be overstated. Along with books and other reading materials, the county executive reminded his constituents that libraries have much to offer their communities.

The Millbrook Library provides access to computers, CDs, DVDs and games, space for groups to meet such as the Historical Society and also offers The Gallery, where art exhibits are held. The Millbrook Arts Group (MAG) often presents concerts at the library, which is also home to the annual Millbrook Literary Festival, usually held in May during non-COVID times.

Tshalis and her staff have maintained numerous programs and offered many services during the past two years, despite hardships created by the pandemic and working with various restrictions placed on them by the state and health departments due to the health crisis.

Often times, the library has had to close to the public, but for the most part is has been able to function and remain open, at least virtually or with some restrictions in place.

Current programs are still being offered, though at the moment all programs are only available online; materials needed for specific programs may be picked up at the library.

To learn more about the Millbrook Library, located at 3 Friendly Lane, to see its current schedule of events or to register for an activity, go to www.millbrooklibrary.org or call 845-677-2099.

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