Sag Harbor library gets grant money

Sag Harbor’s historic John Jermain Memorial Library will receive grant money for needed renovations, secured by Assemb. Fred W. Thiele Jr. (I-Sag Harbor).

The $137,667 is part of a $14-million state capital fund, the Public Library Construction Grant Program, for capital improvement projects.

“New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading,” Thiele said in a statement, adding that 40 percent of libraries in the state are 60 years or older, are not energy efficient and cannot accommodate disabled patrons.

The John Jermain Memorial Library, with its four massive Doric columns in front, was built in 1910 by Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage, granddaughter of Sag Harbor resident Major John Jermain, in his honor. It is a historic landmark in the Village of Sag Harbor and is listed on the state and national registers of historic places.

The grant money will be used on immediate problems with roof and brick leakage, said library director Catherine Creedon. A major renovation of the historic building is starting in July, funded by a $9.9-million bond passed overwhelming in 2009, Creedon said.

The work on the roof and brick will start this summer and be finished in 2013.