Seward Announces Funding for Phoenicia Library

PHOENICIA, 10/11/16 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced a special state grant of $10,000 to support the Phoenicia Library’s “Bridging the Digital Gap” program.   

“Our libraries are community hubs, hosting countless activities that enrich lives young and old,” said Senator Seward.  “The Phoenicia Library is an educational and technological leader that so many in the region look to for essential information and assistance.  The new “Bridging the Digital Gap” initiative will teach much-needed skills and improve the quality of life for area residents.”   

Phoenicia Library Director Elizabeth Potter said, “Senator Seward understands the important role a library plays in a small community and has consistently gone to bat for the Phoenicia Library.  This grant will help expand our offerings and targets a demonstrated community need.”

The grant funds provided by Senator Seward are earmarked for a new initiative to improve computer and technology skills community-wide.  The program, known as “Bridging the Digital Gap”, will include drop-in help and instructional courses for people of all ages and abilities, assistance with computer upgrades and fixes, and robotics and coding for ages 9-16.

Senator Seward has assisted the Phoenicia Library with previous grants including $20,000 to help fund the reconstruction and expansion of the library after a fire gutted the building in 2011.

“Libraries touch the lives of so many individuals and it is vital that we maintain and enhance these enduring connections to our past which also open a gateway to our future.  The Phoenicia Library continues to evolve and find new ways to answer community needs.  This is a wise investment in our future, and I am pleased to help get this important technology initiative up and running,” Seward concluded. 

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