Ritchie Announces $50,000 for Repairs at Hepburn Library of Madrid

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has secured $50,000 in capital funding to assist the Hepburn Library of Madrid with much needed repairs to steps leading to the library’s main entrance. 

“Libraries are essential parts of communities across our state, especially in rural areas like ours,” said Senator Ritchie.  “I am thrilled to be able to provide this funding which will allow the Hepburn Library of Madrid make the necessary upgrades to ensure everyone has access to the wonderful entertainment and educational resources the library provides.”

“Our library is utilized by so many people in our region for everything from books to community events,” said Hepburn Library of Madrid’s Director Kathy Paige.  “The funding will be instrumental in helping us to make the repairs necessary to keep the library accessible to those who rely on it and we cannot thank Senator Ritchie enough for her support.”

The aid builds upon $3,000 the Senator was able to secure recently for the library to purchase and install an automatic door opener to make its Community Room handicapped accessible.

As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, Senator Ritchie has been working to make sure libraries can continue to provide educational opportunities, family-friendly entertainment,  job-searching tools, books, technology and more.  This year, Senator Ritchie was successful in securing nearly $200,000 in funding benefitting more than 50 libraries and library networks in the region she represents.  This support is in addition to an increase in funding for libraries across New York State, which totaled $1 million over last year’s budget.