Schoharie Libraries To Get Senate Grants

While visiting the Community Library of Cobleskill, Senator James L. Seward announced that local community libraries in Schoharie County would be receiving direct, unrestricted grants through the state senate.

Seward announced a $20,000 senate award for the Community Library for its renovation program, which includes physical plant updates to meet state codes. In addition, Seward said that the Sharon Springs Free Library would receive $10,000 in senate funding towards completion of the community/municipal center at the library.

The county's two other libraries received unrestricted, general-purpose grants.

"Our libraries are vital to our communities," Senator Seward said. "They provide books and periodicals -- the most important -- but they also offer a portal into a new information age that people use for job searches, genealogical purposes, and self improvement, among others. Libraries in some areas are community centers, and they are foundations of a free, democratic society. "

Every library in the county will receive some assistance, Seward noted.

"The funding I am announcing today reduces pressure on local budgets and provides a financial boost to help with books and materials," Seward added.

Seward said the money was set aside in the 2007-2008 state budget.

Middleburgh Library                      $1,000                                                    unrestricted

Schoharie Library                            $1,000                                                    unrestricted