The Crane Branch library on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo is planning a major makeover with the help of more than a million dollars in state funding.

  • The Crane Branch library is receiving roughly $1 million to rehab the building
  • Only the Downtown Buffalo branch has a higher circulation rate in the city
  • The first phase will include a new elevator and ADA compliant restrooms

The branch is one of the busiest in the city. In fact, only the much larger downtown branch has a higher circulation rate, according to Buffalo & Erie County Public Library officials.

Angelo Heimowitz is one the Crane branch's frequent visitors.

"I love this library because it's so close," Heimowitz said. "I live on the Elmwood Village side so we walk here pretty much every day, every other day looking for non-fiction stuff. I look for books for my kids that I work with at Elmwood Village Charter School."

The city-owned building that houses the library is more than 60 years old and in need of upgrades.

"Really to bring this library to what I call the 21st century library," said Mary Jean Jakubowski, director of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. 

Assemblyman Sean Ryan (D-Buffalo) and State Senator Chris Jacobs (R-Buffalo) helped restore more than $20 million that was initially left out of library construction funds in the proposed state budget.  

It's a place where people go to use the internet. To apply for jobs. To get their children's homework assignments. Libraries have really changed over the last decade.

Of the $34 million that was approved in the budget, $1,063,552 will be used for interior renovations, a new elevator and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms in the first phase of the project at the Crane Branch library.

"It's not just coming in and borrowing a book and leaving," Jakubowski said. "People want to stay here whether it be to read a newspaper, have a study group, have a community meeting of sorts."

Library officials estimate the first phase will cost between $1.5-1.8 million. The City of Buffalo is also contributing funds for the project. Construction should start in the spring.

The second phase is still in design stage, but will include sprucing up the main the floor of the library and open the possibility for more programs and technology.

"I'm going to enjoy the upgrades," Heimowitz said. "Some things have been a little slow moving and I look forward to all of the improvements."