Upstate NY Library Working Off the Grid

PERU NY— Here comes the sun has a new meaning for the Peru Free Library.

With 49 solar panels installed on the southernmost roof, the library will soon generate its own power.

Librarian Rebecca Pace received a New York State Library Construction Grant, which paid not only for the solar panels and their installation but also a new roof, walkway and gas furnace.

She tailored the library’s needs to a portion of the grant that focused on saving energy and accessibility.

“Our sidewalk was falling apart,” Pace said. “We needed a new furnace as well. Natural gas was coming into the area, and we decided that would be more energy efficient not having to buy all that oil.”