Senator Ritchie Announces Funding for Nny Libraries

Grant Money Will Help With Construction, Repairs

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced that more than $66,000 in funding will be awarded to libraries in Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties through public library construction grant funds.

The grant funds are from $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2011 State Budget.

“Libraries are being used now, more than ever across New York State, especially right here in Northern New York,” said Senator Ritchie.

“These funds will ensure that the public will be able to continue to provide a vital resource—everything from checking out the latest bestseller, to conducting research—that the people in our area so heavily depend upon,” said the Senator.

In Northern New York,, money will be used to make structures more energy efficient, make handicap accessibility improvements and more.

New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading.  A recent survey has shown that more than 40 percent of over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across the state are more than 60 years old.  Another 30 percent are more than three decades old.

This year, the Senator Ritchie was able to help secure $4 million in general aid for libraries; a 3.3 percent increase over last year’s level.

Grant money will go towards the following projects in Northern New York: 

As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, Senator Ritchie has worked to make sure that libraries aren’t overlooked when it comes to receiving state funding.