Ortt Delivers a Total of $55,000 to Western Niagara County Libraries

Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda) today delivered a total of $55,000 in state funding to the public libraries in western Niagara County. Senator Ortt secured the funds as part of this year’s state budget.

The funding amounts to the county libraries is as follows:

North Tonawanda Public Library - $25,000

Niagara Falls Public Library - $10,000

Lewiston Public Library - $5,000

Ransomville Free Library - $5,000

Sanborn-Pekin Free Library - $5,000

Youngstown Free Library - $5,000

The money can be used to assist with educational services and programming, purchasing materials, renovations, operations, or events that serve the community.

The North Tonawanda Public Library plans to use the funding to upgrade all its computer hardware and software. The money will also go toward updating computer workstations for both the staff and public.    

Niagara Falls Public Library would like to use a portion of its $10,000 toward preserving the local history of Niagara Falls. Library director Sarah Potwin said she would like to digitize thousands of still images of Niagara Falls from the 19th Century, and upload them on the library’s website to share with the public.

Lewiston Public Library plans to use the funds for children’s programming. Ransomville Free Library will be purchasing new computers, book carts and children’s books.

Sanborn-Pekin Free Library would like to create a more inviting and user-friendly atmosphere for visitors. Plans, which are pending approval from the library’s Board of Trustees, include updating the computer hardware and outdated furniture to improve the visitor experience.

Youngstown Free Library is purchasing new computers for the public and revamping its website. The new and improved design and format of the website will help to better connect and communicate with library visitors. The site will include user-friendly apps to download to mobile devices and tablets, and an easier way to navigate the digital library.        

Last week, Senator Ortt delivered a total of $35,000 to public libraries throughout eastern Niagara County.