The Westport Library Association (Westport, NY) has been awarded two grants for infrastructure and technology improvements. The W. G. Broughton Charitable Foundation has awarded the library $15,000, and the J.M. McDonald Foundation has awarded $3,000 to upgrade the library’s fire detection system and purchase new audio/visual equipment for its programs.

As we celebrate our 140th anniversary of continuous operation, the trustees embark on an ambitious infrastructure project to modernize services while protecting our historic building. Our “Beyond Books” campaign supports infrastructure and technology enhancements.

“The new state-of-the-art fire detection system will help protect our historic facility from the unexpected, and the new audio/visual equipment will help make our programs more accessible to our patrons. The library’s line-up of lectures, concerts and other programs has expanded in recent years. We are grateful for the generosity of the W. G. Broughton Charitable Foundation and the J.M. McDonald Foundation for their support of our mission.” says Dan Schoonover, President of the Board of Trustees.

Chimera Integrations, of Plattsburgh, has been contracted for the fire detection system which will provide 24/7 coverage for the entire building structure. “We are pleased to partner with the Westport Library on such an important project to help safeguard this historic facility,” says Justin Stearns, Vice President of Chimera Integrations.

“A central, monitored fire detection system will provide multiple life safety benefits that could potentially aid the efforts and response of the Westport Hose Company,” says Chad Tyron, Chief and Kat Sayre, Chairperson of Westport Hose Company.

The library anticipates installation to be completed this fall.

ABOUT THE WESTPORT LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

The Westport Library Association was founded in 1884 and has been serving the Town of Westport and surrounding communities continuously since then. The library provides traditional library services as well as access to E-Books, E-Audiobooks, Free Wi-Fi (indoors and outdoors), copying, scanning, and printing. The Westport Library is governed by an all-volunteer board of trustees and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax revenue covers less than 20% of the library’s operating budget. The Westport Library is a member of the Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System. This year marks the library’s 140th anniversary of continuous service to the community.