Today, Assemblymember Monica Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced that she has secured $15,000 in state funding for the Friends of the Lancaster Public Library to help cover operating costs associated with remaining open on Sundays during the school year, as well as cover needed supplies for the library. The Lancaster Public Library is now open from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays, which will continue through spring 2023.

“Our public libraries are vital resources for information, literature, computer and Internet access. Keeping the library open on Sundays will benefit everyone in our community, especially school children,” said Assemblymember Wallace. “I’m proud to support the Friends of the Lancaster Public Library and thank them for their commitment to helping make this library accessible to everyone in our community.”

“The funding that Assemblymember Wallace secured for our library will allow us to be open seven days a week during the school year,” said Lancaster Public Library Director Kara Stock. “It will increase access for our community members to our many free resources, including books and programs for all ages, computer use, printing, WiFi, research materials, and a place to study. We appreciate Assemblymember Wallace’s continued support to help our library maintain our facilities and improve our programming.”

Throughout her time in office, Assemblymember Wallace has prioritized adequately funding local libraries. She has secured $55,000 to maintain accessibility at the Lancaster Public Libraries by replacing an outdated elevator and installing Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant bathrooms. She also secured $10,000 for a children’s play area at the Lancaster Public Library and nearly $120,000 for facility upgrades to the Julia Boyer Reinstein Library in Cheektowaga.

Assemblymember Wallace also recognized the members of the Lancaster Public Library team that won the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library 2022 Battle of the Books competition, delivering Lancaster its third consecutive victory. The winning team, led by librarian Michael Green, beat out 13 other teams in a competition that involved reading several books and answering a 150-question quiz, nearly all of which the team answered correctly.

“The Battle of the Books is a fun, engaging way to keep kids reading throughout the summer months, and I applaud all the library staff and students who participated,” said Assemblymember Wallace. “The exemplary Lancaster students who won the competition have brought pride to our community and shown themselves to be dedicated learners who have very bright futures ahead of them.”

For more information, contact Assemblymember Wallace’s office by phone at 716-686-0080 or by email at wallacem@nyassembly.gov.