Senator Ritchie Announces Funding for Area Libraries

State Senator Patty Ritchie announced that she has secured special funding for 27 area libraries and 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.

Local library officials are praising the Senator's efforts to help secure special funding.

The 48^th Senate District, which covers Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties, is home to over 50 public libraries, very small community rooms to historic facilities located in the region’s major cities.

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.