A Boost For Books: Ritchie Secures Over $100,000 For Local Libraries

In an effort to help strengthen libraries across Central and Northern New York, State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing that she has secured $112,000 in special state funding that will enhance their services for patrons.

Funds secured by Senator Ritchie will help libraries across the region make upgrades to their facilities and expand offerings for patrons. 

“Offering everything from the latest bestsellers to activities that bring people of all ages together, the libraries throughout our region play a very important role when it comes to educating and enriching local communities,” said Senator Ritchie, who serves as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries. “It is my hope that through this funding, our area libraries will be able to offer patrons even more opportunities to learn, grow and be part of their community.”

“For so many people, libraries are the gateway to learning, culture and expanded horizons,” said Steve Bolton, Director of the North Country Library System.  “Year after year, Senator Ritchie has recognized that.  We cannot thank her enough for her support of our local libraries and look forward to seeing how this funding helps them to improve the services they provide to patrons.”  

“Often times, it can be hard for libraries—especially smaller libraries—to keep up with demand,” said John Hammond, Director of the Northern New York Library Network. “This much needed funding will allow our local libraries to move forward with buying books, upgrading technology, making building improvements and more. We are grateful for Senator Ritchie’s support, which not only will enrich our local libraries, but also the lives of those who utilize them.”   

Libraries receiving funding from Senator Ritchie include:

Jefferson County

Carthage Free Library- $5,000

Hawn Memorial Library- $2,000

Depauville Free Library- $2,000

Bodman Memorial Library- $5,000

Dexter Free Library- $ 5,000

Sally Ploof Hunter Memorial Library- $2,500

Town of Orleans Public Library- $2,000

North Country Library System- $5,000

Cape Vincent Community Library- $2,000

Evans Mills Public Library- $2,000

Flower Memorial Library- $4,000

Lyme Free Library- $2,500

Macsherry Library- $2,000

Philomathean Free Library - $2,000

Rodman Public Library- $2,000

Theresa Free Library- $2,000

Thousand Island Park Library- $1,000

Oswego County

Central Square Library- $4,000

Mexico Public Library- $9,000

Oswego Public Library- $2,500

Hannibal Free Library- $2,500

Parish Public Library- $2,000

Pulaski Public Library- $2,000

Williamstown Library- $2,000

Phoenix Public Library- $2,000

Fulton Public Library- $2,500

Cogswell Free Library- $2,000

St. Lawrence County

Ogdensburg Public Library- $5,000

Heuvelton Free Library- $2,000

Hammond Free Library- $2,000

Hepburn Library of Hermon- $2,000

Hepburn Library of Lisbon- $2,000

Hepburn Library of Madrid- $2,000

Hepburn Library of Waddington- $2,000

Morristown Public Library- $2,000

Reading Room Association of Gouverneur- $2,000

Richville Free Library- $2,000

Northern New York Library Network- $5,000

Rensselaer Falls Library $2,000

Hepburn Library of Edwards- $2,000

Morley Branch Library- $1,500