Ritchie: Local Libraries to Benefit From More Than $360,000 in Funds for Construction Upgrades

June 24, 2016

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced that libraries throughout Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties will receive more than $360,000 in public library construction funds to make upgrades to their facilities.

Funding announced today is part of a $14 million capital fund appropriation in the 2015 State Budget for construction and renovation of public libraries and public library systems in New York State. Funding awarded in Senator Ritchie’s district will allow local libraries to increase energy efficiency, improve accessibility for handicapped individuals, make necessary building upgrades and more.

“As more and more people look to our region’s libraries for educational materials, entertainment, community events and more, it becomes increasingly important to provide them with the support necessary to continue to meet the needs of their patrons,” said Senator Ritchie, who serves on the Senate Select Committee on Libraries.

“These are improvements that won’t just improve our local libraries—they will enhance our overall communities. I look forward to seeing the upgrades made possible through these funds, and thank our local libraries for the work they do to remain as hubs of learning throughout our region.”

The following libraries in the region Senator Ritchie represents will receive funding:

Jefferson County

Crosby Public Library: $70,952

Macsherry Library: $16,308

North Country Library System: $129,350

Oswego County

Oswego Public Library: $66,095

St. Lawrence

Canton Free Library: $22,019

Canton Free Library (Morley Branch): $18,176

Heuvelton Free Library: $7,913

Ogdensburg Public Library: $29,882

A member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, Senator Ritchie has made it a priority in recent years to support local libraries. Most recently, she advocated for passage of a new state budget that included a $9 million boost in funding for libraries.

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