Ritchie Announces $85,000 in Grants to Area Libraries

Special Funding Will Help 25 Libraries, 2 Library Networks

State Senator Patty Ritchie announced that she has secured special funding for 25 area libraries and 2 library networks serving local communities.  The libraries—15 in Jefferson County, six in St. Lawrence and four in Oswego—will share $85,000 in special funding that’s in addition to a $4 million increase in state budget aid for libraries statewide.

“Today’s libraries are more than just places to find a great book. They are community centers that serve as excellent resources for researchers, job-seekers and families living on a budget,” said Senator Ritchie, who serves on the recently re-formed State Senate Select Committee on Libraries.

The Senate’s former leadership eliminated the library panel, but it was re-established—and Senator Ritchie was appointed a member—in 2012.

“I am proud to be part of a State Senate that puts libraries at the top of our agenda for continuing education, family-friendly entertainment and building better communities,” Senator Ritchie said.

Senator Ritchie’s efforts on behalf of libraries are also being praised by local library officials.

"These grants offer a great opportunity for small libraries to enhance their services to their users.  Some libraries may use these funds for things like old-fashioned books, and others may purchase things like e-books.  In either case, we appreciate Senator Ritchie's help in sustaining and improving library services here in the region," said John Hammond, Executive Director of the Northern New York Library Network.

“These grants will help libraries make their buildings more accessible and valuable for their many patrons. It is difficult for libraries to save money for construction costs, so these grants are vital, especially for the older historic buildings. Thanks to the efforts of Senator Patty Ritchie, many of the public libraries in the north country will be able to make improvements that will ensure that their buildings are functional for many years in the future,” said Stephen Bolton, Director of the North Country Library System.

The 48^th Senate District, which covers Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties, is home to over 50 public libraries.

Each of the following libraries will receive grants of $3,000. In addition, Senator Ritchie also secured grants of $5,000 each to the Northern NY Library Network and the North Country Library System.