BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – A group of Ogdensburg residents will rally at city hall tonight, April 12, at 5:15 p.m. seeking to garner support for increased funding for the library.

Organizer Cyndi Layng said the “Stronger Together” group is encouraging people to get out and vote in favor of a school budget proposition that will allow the library to raise an additional $225,000 in property taxes within the Ogdensburg School District.

In 2017 the library was successful in securing $50,000 in funding approved. In 2018 an additional $75,000 in funding was approved. In 2019 efforts to secure more funding was voted down.

This year the library is seeking to get $225,000 in funding approved for a total of $350,000.

Over the past several years Ogdensburg city council has been reducing financial support for the library and urging the organization to raise funds though propositions attached to the Ogdensburg City School District budget vote. In the most recent budget, funding was reduced by $100,000 and next year the city is expected to completely defund it.

In January the library cut three full-time positions and reduced two other full-time positions to part-time.

Layng said the rally was prompted by a proclamation that will be read by Mayor Jeffrey M. Skelly at tonight’s city council meeting.

“I encourage all residents to visit the Ogdensburg Public Library this week and explore what’s new at your library, and engage with your librarian. Because of you and our library leaders, libraries transform,” the proclamation says.

“We invite you to join us Monday night from 5:15 to 5:45 to support this worthwhile cause. Feel free to make and bring signs. Social distancing will be observed. We hope to see you there!” Layng said in her post on social media highlighting the event.

The library has had reduced hours during the pandemic, but has stayed open and offered curbside book pick-up throughout the majority of the state’s “pause” order.