State Senator Sean Ryan says two local Buffalo libraries were among the 135 across the state to get construction funding this year.

Ryan says this year's application process was particularly competitive.

The Isaías González-Soto Branch Library is now getting more than $660,000 to make renovations, including a new roof, windows and flooring, while the Grand Island Memorial Library is getting around $18,000 to make the building more accessible.

Ryan says libraries have been especially important during the pandemic, and this money will help them stay relevant for future generations.

"We know when we invest in our libraries, we're investing in our communities," Ryan said. "It's a direct investment to the communities served by the library system. We all saw during the pandemic how vital libraries became."

The state's fund for library construction totaled $14 million this year, which Ryan says is not enough.

He says that's why they have increased the fund to $34 million in anticipation for next year.