Putting Libraries On The Fast Track: Ritchie Secures $100,000 To Connect Area Libraries With High-Speed Internet

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing she has secured $100,000 to make high-speed internet available at more libraries across the region she represents, a change that will help improve learning opportunities for students and make job-searching easier for patrons among other things. 

The investment will help connect more libraries to a fiber optic network—which is one of the fastest forms of broadband technology—being established by the North Country Library System, which includes libraries in Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties.  The Development Authority of the North Country will provide technical support for the project and administer the funding. 

“It goes without saying that books are just part of the reason people visit our local libraries,” said Senator Patty Ritchie, who serves as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries.  “More and more frequently, people are using technology at our libraries to search for jobs, complete homework assignments and more.  I am pleased to provide this funding, which will help to make high-speed internet available at more of our area libraries, and in turn, help strengthen our local communities.”

“There are so many people across our region who rely on their local library for internet access,” said Steve Bolton, Director of the North Country Library System.  “Thanks to Senator Ritchie’s support, more people will be able to use internet that’s both fast and reliable.  We thank her for her support on this project, and other efforts to help improve the services offered by libraries locally, as well as across the state.”

This is the latest effort by Senator Ritchie to strengthen libraries across Central and Northern New York.  Recently, she announced $100,000 in special funding to support libraries across Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Oswego Counties.