Senator Skoufis Announces $185,000 in Grants for 10 Area Libraries

Senator James Skoufis (Democrat, Hudson Valley) assembled at the Goshen Public Library with Goshen Library officials, the Goshen Historical Society (which shares the site), Goshen Town Councilman George Lyons and many admirers of this new state-of-the-art library building, to celebrate a surprise grant for $185,000 that they just learned of. Skoufis said he fought hard in Albany for this money that will be used for 10 libraries in Orange County, and he spoke of the many new roles that today's libraries play, and how these investments will enable new and enhanced programming. “Libraries are no longer just a place where you take out books. They are the community hub. If you’re looking for a job, if you’re a student in need of research tools, if you want to research your ancestry, if you are looking for music or audio books, if you’re a community group in need of space to gather, the local public library is often the best resource. Some libraries are now being used as emergency shelters. The role of and technology available within libraries has transformed over the years. I am honored to bring back local tax dollars to support these vital community hubs across the county.”

Goshen Public Library Interim Director Michelle Muller added "Children are made readers in the laps of their parents, and we must do all we can to facilitate that by helping parents and children learn the joy, love, and community of reading. This funding will enable us to add more programming, such as visits from authors to show children what it takes to write a book. This funding will allow us to ensure that literacy at all ages is met.” Skoufis recalled that as an Assemblyman he represented Goshen during the years that this "Jewel", of a new modern and expansive facility was being planned, and he is glad that with the new districts being formed he once again represents Goshen, this time as Senator. Greenwood Lake Library Director Jill Cronin emphasized that today's libraries are a way to bring community members together, and help families with links to parenting and other social resources and are often a cornerstone of communities they serve. Other funding recipients include Florida Public Library, Warwick’s Albert Wisner Public Library, Greenville Resource Center, Port Jervis Free Library, Middletown’s Thrall Library, and Cornwall Public Library. These libraries are members of the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) which shares resources throughout the region.