The state will pay $100,000 to make high-speed internet available at more libraries across the area, “a change that will help improve learning opportunities for students and make job-searching easier for patrons among other things,” according to Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton.

The investment will help connect more libraries to a fiber optic network being established by the North Country Library System, which includes libraries in Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence counties. The Development Authority of the North Country will provide technical support for the project and administer the funding.

“It goes without saying that books are just part of the reason people visit our local libraries,” Richie said in a prepared statement announcing the funding.

“There are so many people across our region who rely on their local library for internet access,” Steve Bolton, director of the North Country Library System, said in a prepared statement from Ritchie’s office. “Thanks to Senator Ritchie’s support, more people will be able to use internet that’s both fast and reliable. We thank her for her support on this project, and other efforts to help improve the services offered by libraries locally, as well as across the state.”

Ritchie represents the 48th Senate District, which covers the western half of St. Lawrence County including Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur.