Check It Out! Area Readers ‘Love Our Libraries’

Fulton Named Tops Among Local Libraries; 55 Librarians Named Best

Fulton Public Library in Oswego County was selected as the favorite among 43 local libraries that gained votes—and 55 local librarians won rave reviews—in an online poll conducted by Senator Patty Ritchie to mark National Library Week, April 12- 18.

More than 200 votes were cast for the region’s best libraries and most outstanding librarians. 

“Today, libraries are so much more than books, they are centers of our communities where people have endless opportunities to expand their horizons, learn and grow,” said Senator Ritchie.

“The libraries and librarians throughout Central and Northern New York are truly extraordinary, and I encourage everyone to Check It Out at their local libraries this week and throughout the year.”

All the libraries that received votes, and the librarians named as favorites will receive special certificates from the Senator.

Oswego County

Best Library: Fulton Public Library

Outstanding Librarian: Sue Hutchins, Fulton Public Library

Jefferson County

Best Library: Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library, Watertown

Outstanding Librarian: Toni Ellinger, Hay Memorial Library, Sackets Harbor

St. Lawrence County

Best Library: Ogdensburg Public Library

Outstanding Librarian: Edith Ashley, Hepburn Library of Waddington; Linda Adams, Gouverneur Reading Room (tie)

As a member of the State Senate Select Committee on Libraries, Senator Ritchie has been working to support libraries throughout New York State and in the region she represents.  Most recently, she fought for a $5 million increase in aid for libraries in the State Budget, as well as $14 million in library construction funding, which will allow libraries across the state to make updates to their facilities.

Senator Ritchie has secured an additional $150,000 in special aid to help enhance services at more than 50 libraries and in two library networks across Central and Northern New York.

In New York State, there are more than 7,000 public libraries including over 50 public libraries in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties—one of the largest concentrations of public libraries in any Senate district in the state.