Ritchie: Budget Includes $5 Million Increase in Aid for Libraries

Libraries Statewide to Receive $91.6 Million in Funding 

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced the new state spending plan includes $91.6 million—which is a $5 million increase in aid over the Governor’s proposal— to help support libraries in their efforts to provide books, technology, educational resources, entertainment and more to people across the state. 

In addition, the new State Budget also includes $14 million in library construction aid, which will allow libraries across the state to make upgrades to their facilities. 

“The libraries that dot our region provide countless people with opportunities to expand their horizons and learn new things,” said Senator Ritchie.

“I’ve had the opportunity to visit many of the libraries throughout Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties, and each has impressed me with their efforts to provide patrons with the very best in books, technology, educational resources and more.  I’m thrilled the new State Budget makes the investments necessary so they can continue to offer the programs and services the people of our region depend on.”

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.  Last year, in addition to fighting for an increase in budget funding, Senator Ritchie was able to secure nearly $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.