OSWEGO, New York – The Oswego community approved the Oswego Public Library’s recent budget increase proposal on May 20, giving further support to the renovation and expansion project that is near completion.

            “We want to thank all of the voters who came out in support of the library for this budget. This vote reinforces the confidence the community has in the project,” said Library Board Member Mercedes Niess. “People are getting very excited about seeing and using the new library as we get closer to the official opening this summer.”

The approval increases the library’s annual budget by approximately $83,000. The budget includes funding to add and improve Library services as well as support for the final construction details. The historic building is not the only thing that is being improved. Internal infrastructure, security systems, other equipment and staffing also need to be maintained, and in some cases, updated or expanded. In the soon-to-open library facility, new posts such as the reference desk and local history section will need to be staffed and the expanded space (nearly three times the size of the former space) will need to be heated, cooled and maintained.

“We want to make sure that we are ready to serve the increase in library patrons we expect when the doors open on our new and expanded facility,” Oswego Public Library Director Carol Ferlito said. “We will have more space, a larger collection and new community space to maintain and manage.”

Even with this increased budget, the Oswego Public Library trails many other community libraries in the region in per capita funding, or the amount per person that is contributed each year in terms of approved funding. For example, the Massena Public Library is funded at a per capita rate of $44.49 per year while the Oswego Public Library currently operates at a rate of $20.83.

            In addition to the budget, two library board trustees were also elected. Larry Mayo was re-appointed to a five-year term and Donna Kuhn was appointed as a new five-year term board member filling the vacancy left by Gay Williams, who concluded her term on the board.

            “We are very excited to retain Larry Mayo on our board,” said Mary Shanley, board president. “He has been an integral part of this renovation and expansion project and his experience has been invaluable. We are also pleased to welcome Donna Kuhn to the board. Her experience and knowledge with the school district will be helpful as we move forward.”

            The library is currently closed to the public while they move equipment, furniture and their collection to the expanded location at 120 East Second Street. The library is expected to remain closed for the next several weeks before the official opening of the newly renovated building.

            A book return bin will be available at the temporary location while the library is closed. Although no fines will be assessed during the closure, patrons are urged to return their items on time and utilize services at all affiliated North Country Library system facilities including Fulton, Pulaski, Mexico, Hannibal, Parish and other regional libraries.

For more information concerning the Oswego Public Library, call (315) 341-5867 or visit their website at www.oswegopubliclibrary.org.