East Hudson Valley News

During the 2024 Legislative Session, Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown), ranking Minority member on the Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, successfully led a bipartisan effort to prevent Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed cuts to essential funding for local libraries across New York state. In a continued commitment to supporting these vital community institutions, Slater has now secured an additional $20,000 in bullet aid for three local libraries in the Hudson Valley.

The Kent Public Library, Putnam Valley Library, and Patterson Public Library were each awarded $20,000 in bullet aid, which will be used for critical upgrades and new development projects. These libraries have long served as pillars of the Hudson Valley community, offering far more than just traditional library services.

“Our libraries are the heart of our communities, offering so many essential services to our residents,” said Slater. “I’m incredibly proud to support the public libraries in these important projects. Looking ahead to the 2025 Legislative Session, I will remain committed to working with all of our public libraries to ensure they continue to be accessible and well-resourced for everyone in the Hudson Valley.”

Slater’s continued advocacy for library funding highlights his dedication to preserving these critical community resources. During the upcoming session, he promises to keep fighting for the funding and support necessary to keep New York’s libraries thriving.

“We thank Assemblyman Slater so very much for being so responsive, compassionate and generous in securing bullet aid in the amount of $20,000 for the Putnam Valley Free Library. We will be using these funds to provide much-needed ADA upgrades to our single-stall bathroom. It is library supporters like him who provide us with the encouragement and support we need to continue to improve our aging building and steadily increase the services we provide to community members,” said Amina Chaudhr, Director of Putnam Valley Free Library.

“At the Kent Library, we are excited at the prospect of being able to offer more downloadable audiobooks and ebooks to library patrons. Demand for this expensive online media soared during COVID and continues to rise. We have already increased the number of titles we order. Matt Slater's support for libraries means a lot to us and our readers,” said Carol Donick, Director of Kent Public Library.

“On behalf of the Patterson Library Board of Trustees and staff, we are very grateful to be the recipient of a generous $20,000 Special Legislative Bullet Aid Grant from Assemblyman Slater. This grant will help us transform our Adult Library with new lower shelving and compact computer stations, enhancing accessibility and warmth of our space,” said Stephanie Harrison, Director of Patterson Library. “We look forward to showcasing these exciting improvements and appreciate Assemblyman Slater's dedication to championing libraries in the New York State Assembly. His partnership is invaluable to us and to the community we serve.”

“On behalf of Putnam Valley residents, we are very grateful for state aid provided through Assemblyman Matt Slater's support and dedication. This funding commitment will make a significant difference in enabling library staff to serve our community through enhanced programs and improved resources,” Putnam Valley Supervisor Jackie Annabi said.

Patterson Supervisor Rich Williams applauded the announcement: “Once again Assemblyman Matt Slater comes through to support our Patterson Community!”