OGDENSBURG -- The Friends of the Ogdensburg Public Library announce the receipt of the first major gift to the recently incorporated group that exists to support the programs and services of the Library. Doctors Ravinder and Barbara Agarwal have donated $25,000 to the Friends for the creation of the Barbara and Ravinder Agarwal Fund.

The fund will provide library materials and allow the friends to sponsor programs and contests for children, especially to promote writing, public speaking, and similar skills.

The donors have stipulated that these funds should be spent within five years.

“We know that these are hard times for library budgets. And we know that many people depend of their library for books, movies, music, and computer access. Our gift is intended to allow the Library to continue to provide everyone with they have come to expect,” Ravinder Agarwal said,

Friends’ President Maureen Kravec said the donation would be great for his organization and the library.

“The Agarwals have once again shown their genuine concern for this community and the health of its institutions. The Library is depending upon the Friends more than ever to help make ends meet. The gift will accomplish a great deal of good,” he said.

Library Director Wayne Miller shared his gratitude.

“This generous donation is important, especially in light of recent budget cuts such as the County’s total elimination of public library funding. But it is no more important than the participation in volunteer activities shown by the Agarwals,” he said. “This is a great example of the kind of community spirit and support that created and continues to sustain the library. I share the Ravinder and Barbara’s desire for their gift to spur others to consider how they can support the Friends of Ogdensburg Public Library.