MORLEY -- The Morley Library, a branch of the Canton Free Library, has received a New York State Library construction grant of $5,381.

This grant is to the branch library and its “friends” group, the Morley Library Association (MLA), owners of the library building. The funds, however, will be received by the Canton Free Library on the branch’s behalf, and will then be turned over to the MLA.

There is no new construction taking place at the Canton Free Library.

Members of the Morley Library Association will use the award to reclaim space in the back room of the old building on Route 27. By insulating and weatherproofing the area and shoring up the stone foundation, a contemporary public use community room will be created, allowing for expanded library services.

The association has been busy raising the matching 50 percent funding required by the New York State Library construction grant application because the total cost of the renovation is $10,662.

Book sales, bakes sales, sales of note cards featuring picturesque Morley landmarks, various raffles and other projects have been the main focus of the group for the past three years. Their work has paid off with the awarding of a second building grant in two years.

The award’s announcement came from the office of Assemblywoman Addie Russell, whom the library says has been instrumental in bringing a number of libraries issues before the Assembly in Albany. Canton Free Library and the Morley Library Association say they are grateful for her support.