GENESEO, N.Y., JUNE 26, 2023 – It’s been said that great libraries build great communities and the eight locations within Livingston County that are part of the Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming, Livingston Library System (OWWL) fully embody this notion.
Livingston County has a long-standing tradition of supporting its centers of education including libraries. Each year, the County’s Board of Supervisors allocates resources, most recently incorporating $100,000 in the 2023 budget to support various programming and services. Additionally, funding provided through the County has also been instrumental in establishing a capital improvement grant that helps branches cover costs associated with minor construction projects, improvements to their overall infrastructure and other repairs that do not meet the minimum amounts required to qualify for the New York State Aid for Library Construction program.
“Livingston County is proud to provide support to our local libraries and the important role they serve throughout our communities,” said Livingston County Administrator, Ian Coyle. “Local libraries are integral in supporting our education system and we are committed to investing in these critical public resources and continuing to bolster these pivotal programs.”
Along with financial assistance, the County also supports its library system in other forms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Livingston County prioritized supplying its local libraries with additional cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment to ensure that the community would still have access to educational and cultural resources. Representatives from the County, including Coyle, have also served as guest speakers, lecturers or attended public reading sessions.
"Livingston County libraries are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the County,” added Megan McLaughlin, Director of the Lima Public Library. “The funds that we receive from Livingston County allow us to expand our services, our collections, and our resources to our communities. The Livingston County Public Library Capitol Improvement Grant is a recent addition to the funding that we receive from the County. It has been a tremendous help in keeping our small libraries in repair and well-maintained. As directors, we also greatly appreciate our yearly meeting with the County Administrator as way to let him know all of the wonderful things happening at our libraries and in our communities. It is a relationship that we greatly value."
To find a library nearest you or to learn more about different services and programs, please visit the OWWL’s website.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events and more by following Livingston County on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is comprised of more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.