Ortt directs $35K in state funds to Orleans libraries
Provided photo: State Sen. Robert Ortt met with library leaders in Orleans County on Wednesday and presented ceremonial checks for $35,000 total. Pictured at the Community Free Library in Holley, include front row, from left: Community Free Library Director Sandra Shaw; Senator Rob Ortt; and Kristine Mostyn, assistant director and librarian at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in medina. Back Row: Community Free Library board member Sue Orman; Community Free Library board member Barbara Lehning; Community Free Library supporter Sue Persia; Yates Community Library Director Emily Cebula; Yates Community Library board member Kathleen Sillick; Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library in Albion; and Barbara Kerns, president of board for Community Free Library in Holley.
HOLLEY – The four public libraries in Orleans County collectively were presented $35,000 in state support on Wednesday from State Sen. Robert Ortt (R-North Tonawanda).
The bullet aid funding, included in this year’s State Budget, will help the libraries with educational services and programming, purchasing materials, renovations, operations, or events that serve the community.
The Community Free Library in Holley received $20,000, while Hoag Library in Albion, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina and Yates Community Library in Lyndonville received $5,000 each.
The Holley library received the largest check at $20,000. Sandra Shaw, library director, said the funding could be used to hire a part-time children’s librarian and also increase children’s and adult programming. The library’s board of directors will determine how the funds will be used, she said.
Shaw said she and the other library directors appreciate that Ortt is directing some state funds to the local libraries.
“It’s wonderful,” Shaw said. “We were so excited to receive it. He values libraries and the services we provide to our communities.”
