Senator John W. Mannion recently announced $80,000 in state funds to support public libraries in the 50th Senate District.

“Every Central New York community deserves a quality public library and I am thrilled to have secured these funds to bolster our local libraries,” he said. “These funds will support operational needs and help expand services.”

Projects at these libraries will include digitizing collections, increasing online services and computer workstations, and providing resources for small business operations and economic development.

Additionally, these funds will be utilized to expand and diversify their community programming and outreach efforts. This will aid in educating the public on the extensive resources available at their libraries and provide even more services for the betterment of our local communities.

Funding will go to the following public libraries:

Community Library of Dewitt & Jamesville $10,000

East Syracuse Free Library $10,000

Fairmount Community Library $10,000

Fayetteville Free Library $10,000

Manlius Library $10,000

Maxwell Memorial Library $10,000

Minoa Free Library $10,000

Solvay Public Library $10,000

“We are so deeply grateful to Senator Mannion for the award of these funds,” Jennifer Milligan, executive director of Manlius Library, said. “This demonstration of the senator’s ongoing commitment to public libraries supports increased programming, services, and materials for our community.”

People need libraries now more than ever,” Brenda Shea, Fairmount Community Library director said. “In these challenging times, when members of our community are struggling, they reach out to libraries for essential services like internet access, resources and education.  This operational funding helps us to provide more services to the greater community. We are so grateful to Senator Mannion for supporting our mission and our work.”