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At a reception held at the Oneida Public Library, Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffmann presented a check to Mid-York Library System Director Mary Lou Caskey for $100,000. The money is designated for a computer system upgrade, which will take place in 2003. Director Caskey commented, "We are pleased to recognize Senator Hoffmann's long-standing commitment to library service and that she was able to secure the funds for Mid-York to continue providing exemplary library service for its customers." The main purpose of the computer system is to provide access to the library collections in the 43 Mid-York libraries and also access to several online databases. Through this system, libraries from Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida counties share their resources easily and efficiently, ultimately lowering the cost of library service to taxpayers. "The information age is firmly upon us and young people need to learn how to access data and educational material through computers. The Mid-York Library System has consistently made very efficient use of their resources. It's always a pleasure to see members of the library community in Albany where they advocate for the needs of Central New York and Mohawk Valley residents of all ages," said Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffmann, who has represented the area for 18 years. The new system will enrich the catalog with book reviews, book jacket covers, and bestseller lists. There will also be a feature where people can receive e-mail notification about new materials that have been added to the collection. Mid-York's Linda Manfredo added, "When we're done it will look a lot like amazon.com." |
Jobs, books, and healthcare were the topics for three young people using the computers at the Oneida Public Library while Senator Hoffmann attended the reception. The upgrade funded through today's grant presentation will expand the information sources and speed up access. |
Senator Hoffmann and Mid-York Library Executive Director Mary Lou Caskey during the check presentation at the Oneida Public Library, who said, "Senator Hoffmann is truly a friend of libraries." |
Senator Hoffmann greets Anastasia Vance of Oneida. Ms. Vance says that she is a big fan of Senator Hoffmann and attended the reception just to meet her. |