A New Chapter for the Ogdensburg Public Library: Ritchie Announces $50,000 in Funding to Help WITH Improvements

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has delivered $50,000 in special funding to assist the Ogdensburg Public Library with major repairs, including the replacement of the facility’s stucco exterior and new stairs outside the building. 

“As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, I have worked very hard to help secure critically needed construction funding for community libraries across Northern and Central New York,” Senator Ritchie said. 

“Libraries like the Ogdensburg Public Library are centers of our communities and these types of projects allow libraries to better serve the families and individuals who rely on them for books, entertainment, educational offerings and so much more.”

Senator Ritchie visited the library Tuesday to tour the progress at the historic Victorian mansion and talk with library leaders about the improvements. 

"The Ogdensburg Public Library is very grateful to Senator Ritchie for the assistance she has provided to help us with this very important renovation project," said Library Director Penny Kerfien. "We are pleased to have a strong advocate speaking up for our community libraries in Albany."

As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, Senator Ritchie has made it a priority in recent years to help secure critically needed construction funding for community libraries across Northern and Central New York. 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.

Earlier this year, Senator Ritchie recognized the Ogdensburg Public Library through her “Love Your Library” contest, which included an online poll where patrons throughout the region could vote for their favorite library during National Library Week. 

Final release of funds secured by Senator Ritchie is subject to state contract completion.

(Pictured in the above photo from left to right are Ogdensburg Library Board member Linda Griffin, Library Director Penny Kerfien, State Senator Patty Ritchie and Rev. Michael O'Donnell)