Ritchie Secures $50,000 for Oswego School District Public Library

Senate Select Committee on Libraries Chair State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has secured a $50,000 grant for the Oswego School District Public Library to protect and maintain its historic home.

Known as the ‘Castle on the Hill’, the library first opened its doors in 1857.  A true city landmark, the library is the oldest public library in the entire United States still in its original building. The library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

This funding will allow the library to make repairs to its building foundation and upgrade its historic windows.

“The success and growth of our libraries means so much to me and the Oswego School District Public Library is truly a national treasure,” said Senator Ritchie.  “As it celebrates its 160^th anniversary, I am thrilled to help guarantee it will continue to be a special landmark for people to enjoy for generations to come.”

“Without the help of this grant, we would be unable to maintain this historic building,” said Carol Ferlito, Director of the Oswego School District Public Library. “This grant allows us to undertake repairs without having to take money away from the library services we provide to this community. We are extremely appreciative of this support and all that the Senator does for public libraries.”

The Oswego School District Public Library is referred to as the ‘Castle on the Hill’ because of its medieval castle look and hilltop location.