Local Libraries to Receive More Than $250,000 in Funding for Construction Upgrades

Funding Will be Used to Make Energy Efficient Upgrades, Improve Handicapped Accessibility and More 

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced that eight libraries throughout Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties will receive more than $250,000 in public library construction funds to make upgrades to their facilities.

“More and more frequently libraries are being used by people across our region for everything from job hunting resources to checking out today’s bestsellers,” said Senator Ritchie, who serves on the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, a group charged with looking for ways to support the future of public libraries in New York State.

“Our libraries are centers of our communities, and I’m pleased to see them receiving this support, which will allow them to make much-needed improvements to better serve those who utilize them.”

Funding announced today is part of a $14 million capital fund for public library construction provided in the 2014-2015 state budget that will help local libraries make energy efficient upgrades, improve handicapped accessibility and add features to enhance the delivery of services to patrons. 

The following libraries in Central and Northern New York will receive funding:

Jefferson County

Bodman Memorial Library, Philadelphia: $13,538

Crosby Public Library, Antwerp: $93,802

Oswego County

Central Square Library: $4,300

St. Lawrence County

Canton Free Library: $9,415

Hepburn Library of Norfolk: $14, 910

Hepburn Library of Waddington: $5,769

Morristown Public Library: $79,065

Norwood Public Library: $34,157

As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, Senator Ritchie has been working diligently in recent years to increase support for libraries across the state.  Most recently, she advocated for a $5 million increase in aid for libraries in the new state budget. In addition, earlier this year, she recognized dozens of libraries and librarians throughout the region she represents with her district-wide “Love Your Library” contest.