AUGUSTA – The Maine Library Commission has announced New Century construction/renovation grants totaling $496,577 for 16 Maine public libraries. There were 21 applicants applying for $669,533.50 toward local construction/renovation projects costing $12,304,596.

The following libraries received funding toward capital campaigns to replace inadequate buildings with new facilities: Carrabassett Valley Public Library; Orono Public Library; Pittsfield Public Library; Jackson Memorial Library in Tenants Harbor; and Mildred Stevens Williams Memorial Library in Appleton.

Shaw Public Library in Greenville received funding for renovations to its current facility so it may be ADA compliant; and Waterville Public Library also plans ADA compliance steps and an 800-square-foot addition.

Libraries receiving funding to improve heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning systems were: Calais Free Library; Cary Library in Houlton; Edythe L. Dyer Library in Hampden; and Gardiner Public Library.

Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library in Lovell received a grant for expansion and renovation of its 100-year-old building; the D.A. Hurd Library in North Berwick to prevent flooding in its children’s room and other areas; and the Farmington Public Library’s grant will allow the replacement of an historic slate roof and for insulation and ventilation in the attic.

The New Century Community Program was created in 1999 by the State Legislature to provide matching grants and services to local cultural agencies. The program is a collaboration of the Maine Arts Commission, Maine Historic Preservation Commission, Maine State Library, Maine State Museum, Maine Historical Society, Maine State Archives and Maine Humanities Council under the auspices of the Maine Cultural Affairs Council, a state coordinating entity. Funding depends on annual legislative support and appropriations.