Harckham Delivers Protective Masks, Hand Sanitizer to Local Public Libraries

South Salem, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham delivered 100 protective masks and two gallons of hand sanitizer apiece this past week to a number of public libraries in the 40th Senate District, including three in Westchester County, three in Putnam County and one in Dutchess County.

A number of libraries located in the 40th Senate District are beginning to transition to normal or modified operating hours again, and opening their doors to patrons, after months of being closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Wearing masks will be required for both staff and patrons, so libraries were interested in having more protective masks on hand, plus sanitizer for use by all.

“It is good news for our communities that the public libraries will be accessible once again, and I commend their directors and staffs for the hard work and preparation they are undertaking to ensure everyone’s safety,” said Harckham. “The libraries will need a good supply of masks and hand sanitizer while moving forward, and I’m glad to have helped in this regard.

In Westchester, Harckham dropped off supplies at John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak, Mount Pleasant Public Library in Pleasantville and Chappaqua Library. For Putnam, he made stops at Mahopac Public Library, Patterson Library and Brewster Public Library. And in Dutchess, Harckham brought supplies to the Pawling Free Library.

All of the libraries’ directors each greeted Harckham and received the supplies from him at each respective stop—first, by Jennifer O’Neill in Shrub Oak, the John Fearon in Pleasantville and finally by Pamela Thornton in Chappaqua. Then, a few days later, by Michelle Capozzella in Mahopac, Stephanie Harrison in Patterson, Gina Loprinzo in Brewster and Brian Avery, along with members of the library board, in Pawling.

“The Chappaqua Library is extremely grateful for this supply of masks and hand sanitizer from Senator Harckham,” said Thornton. “Safety for our patrons and staff is a top priority and these added supplies are of significant importance to their protection.”

“The protective masks and hand sanitizer that Senator Harckham delivered to the library will be a big help to us,” said Capozzella. “These supplies are mandated for use in the library by the State when we reopen for the public in early August, and so far, we have had a hard time acquiring them in a timely manner.”