Sen. Patty Ritchie says the new budget includes a $5 million increase in aid over the governor’s proposal to help support libraries in their efforts to provide books, technology, educational resources, entertainment and more to people across the state.

In addition, the new state budget also includes $14 million in library construction aid, which will allow libraries across the state make upgrades to their facilities.

“The libraries that dot our region provide countless people with opportunities to expand their horizons and learn new things,” said Sen. Ritchie.

“I’ve had the opportunity to visit many of the libraries throughout Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties, and each has impressed me with their efforts to provide patrons with the very best in books, technology, educational resources and more. I’m thrilled the new budget makes the investments necessary so they can continue to offer the programs and services the people of our region depend on.”

As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, Sen. Ritchie has been working to support libraries throughout New York State and in the region she represents.

Last year, in addition to fighting for an increase in budget funding, Sen. Ritchie was able to secure nearly $150,000 in special aid to help enhance services at more than 50 libraries and in two library networks across Central and Northern New York.

In New York State, there are more than 7,000 public libraries including over 50 public libraries in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties—one of the largest concentrations of public libraries in any Senate district in the state.