NEW YORK, NY.- New York Public Library President Paul LeClerc and Staten Island elected officials broke ground today on a project that will dramatically renovate and expand the library's Stapleton Branch, located at 132 Canal St. The building will undergo a technology facelift, receiving 11 laptop plug-in stations, convenient self-checkout stations and free wireless Internet access. Public space will more than double, and a light, airy new building will be added to the historic structure, retaining its character and providing neighborhood residents a sleek, modern new library.

“Once this renovation and expansion are complete, the striking new Stapleton Library will provide a wide range of free resources reflecting the needs of its community at a time of expanding information needs,” said Library President Paul LeClerc. “Whether programs for children, books for recreational reading, free Internet access, job information, or any of its many other services, the library will be a robust resource for its users. We are deeply grateful to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, former Council Member and current U. S. Congressman Michael McMahon, Council Member Kenneth Mitchell, and Borough President James Molinaro, as well as the State of New York whose funding has made this renovation possible. In addition, we greatly appreciate the private support of Virginia James.”

The renovation, designed by Andrew Berman Architect, will provide new areas for adults, teens and children, as well as a community room. The adjoining new building will feature 18-foot ceilings, attractive wood floors and a glass curtain wall to create light and space. Adult and teen reading areas will include cozy chairs for reading, and the children's area will feature interactive educational games. The project is to include a new HVAC system and new electrical wiring.

“Today marks a new beginning for the Stapleton library and the community it serves,” said Congressman Michael E. McMahon. “The renovation and expansion of the Stapleton library has been a project close to my heart since I was a Council Member and I am thrilled that this project is finally coming to fruition. This renovation will modernize the Stapleton branch and ensure that it remains a center of learning and community for years to come.”

"It is an honor to be a part of this exciting and long-awaited step tobring the expanded Stapleton Library to the community, said Council Member Kenneth Mitchell. “With the old Carnegie Library structure receiving a much needed renovation and the expansion bringing the long desired programming and resource space weare truly preserving the past while building for the future."

Staten Island Borough President James P. Molinaro said, "I am pleased toallocate $800,000 in capital funding towards the expansion of thehistoric Stapleton Library, that will more than double the current spacefor Islanders using the facility. A strong library makes for a strongcommunity, and I expect that this renovation will make the Stapletonbranch even more popular among Islanders of all ages who seek enrichmentthrough learning, and continue the renaissance of the St.George/Stapleton area."

“This groundbreaking is a great step towards addressing the needs of Stapleton,” said Assembly Member Matthew Titone. “The expansion of this branch of the Public Library demonstrates that Stapleton is a growing and thriving Staten Island neighborhood.”

"I am honored to be here today to celebrate the expansion of Stapleton Library, a vital source of learning learning for this community. In this digital age it is crucial for public libraries to keep up technologically, so that everyone, regardless of income, has access to information. I am happy to have been able to facilitate funding for this modernization," said Senator Diane J Savino

“As we all know, libraries are about more than books,” Councilman Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., chairman of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries & International Intergroup Relations. “They provide important services to the communities they serve, and this neighborhood has waited a very long time for this important expansion.”

“It’s always a great day for a neighborhood fortunate enough to see their local public library expanded and renovated,” said Council Member Vincent J. Gentile, Chair of the Libraries Subcommittee. “Through the consistent and continued funding of public libraries, New York City has proved time and time again that community involvement, employment and literacy are top priorities. Libraries should be a priority now more than ever – they’re going to help buoy local communities and families through these tough economic times. My thanks goes out to Speaker Christine Quinn for her deep and abiding commitment to our City’s local neighborhoods and libraries, as well as to the New York Public Library for adding to and enriching the lives New York City residents every day.”

The renovation and expansion of the Stapleton Branch Library is generously funded by the City of New York: Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor; Christine C. Quinn, City Council Speaker; Michael E. McMahon, Congress Member; Kenneth Mitchell, City Council Member; James P. Molinaro, Staten Island Borough President, and the State of New York. Additional funding was provided through the generosity of private donor Virginia James.