Jacobs Secures Funding for Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries

(Buffalo, NY) – New York State Senator Chris Jacobs announced that he has secured $120,000 in state funding for the twelve branch libraries in the 60^th Senate District. This funding will support program upgrades, additional supplies, and other improvements that will enhance the educational impact of these libraries on youth in these twelve communities. These state educational dollars will be distributed evenly among these libraries.

“Securing these funds was a priority for me because our libraries do so much to enhance our quality of life and learning for residents of all ages,” said Senator Jacobs.   “From preserving our history to opening up new worlds, libraries are critically important institutions in our community that we must continue to support.”  

The Senator was joined at the press conference by Mary Jean Jakubowski, Director of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System, whose Crane, Niagara, North Park and Riverside Branches are receiving funding.  Representatives were also present from member libraries receiving funding that include the Angola, City of Tonawanda, Grand Island Memorial, Hamburg, Hamburg – Lakeshore Branch and Orchard Park Libraries.  The Town of Tonawanda Public Library’s Kenilworth and Kenmore Branches also attended.  

“We gratefully appreciate Senator Jacobs’ generosity and support,” said Director Jakubowski.  “Libraries are education, the people’s university and the great equalizer amongst our communities.  The funding will help support the plethora of programs and services we offer and allow us to purchase new and exciting technologies for our patrons.”

The funding to the libraries comes in the form of unrestricted aid, meaning they will have the discretion to be able to use these funds for programming, capital expenses, new initiatives, technology and computer upgrades or additions to their respective collections. 

“For almost 200 years our library system has protected our public right to information while storing our community’s knowledge and ensuring everyone has access to it,” Jacobs said.  “I am pleased that this funding will enable the library system to continue to promote the values of cooperation and sharing, and I look forward to seeing the impact these funds will have in individual branches,” the Senator concluded.