St. Lawrence County libraries will receive $33,500 in state funding, according to Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, who helped secure the funding.

Under the program libraries in Edwards, Rensselaer Falls, Heuvelton, Hermon, Lisbon, Madrid, Waddington, Morristown, Gouverneur and Richville will receive $2000 each. Ogdensburg and the Northern New York Library system will receive $5,000 each and the Morley Library will receive $1,500.

“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 Sen. 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.”