Senator James Skoufis Sponsors Library “Road Trip”

RAMAPO – Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) joined leadership from the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) and the Monroe Free Library to kick off the “RCLS Road Trip,” a program sponsored by the Senator that encourages community members to visit as many of the system’s 47 libraries and 52 buildings as they can over the course of the summer months. Skoufis secured state funding to pay for all promotional materials associated with the program.

With the Independence Day holiday and the school year behind us, summer offers readers of all ages the time to enjoy their local libraries, pick up a few good books, and learn more about the many ways our libraries can enrich our communities. “Road Trip” participants will be given a map of the RCLS service area to help them find and track the libraries they’ve visited, picking up prizes along the way. RCLS anticipates increased library usage during the summer and beyond, with each participating library having an opportunity to showcase its distinct programming, collections, and services to new and returning visitors.

Monroe Free Library Trustee Nedda Tichi (center) listens as Library Director Amanda Primiano shares her programmatic priorities with Senator Skoufis.
Monroe Free Library Trustee Nedda Tichi (center) listens as Library Director Amanda Primiano shares her programmatic priorities with Senator Skoufis.

“Our libraries are truly community hubs, offering visitors from all backgrounds a space to gather, learn, and explore, and to connect with the world around them,” said Senator Skoufis. “I applaud RCLS and their creative effort to expose more Hudson Valley residents to the vitality and importance of the region’s libraries. Literacy is central to critical thinking and upward mobility for our kids and communities–I’ll always work to bring Orange County tax dollars back home to support our libraries.”

“Thank you to Senator Skoufis and to all of our library supporters,” added RCLS Executive Director Grace Riario, “and welcome to all who are discovering libraries for the first time this summer. I can’t wait to see what you discover! Share it with us by tagging #RCLSRoadTrip.”

Following the Senator’s visit, Monroe Free Library hosted Christopher Agostino’s “StoryFaces,” an outdoor storytelling experience that allows kids to hear a uniquely animated tale told through face paint illustrations, followed by an afternoon of family fun. The library also hosts computer classes, a literary walking group, game nights, movie screenings, and more.

In 2022, Senator Skoufis announced funding he secured for Orange County libraries totaling $185,000. This funding will enable new and enhanced programming with a primary focus on youth offerings. Additional library funding announcements will be made in the coming months.

For more information about the RCLS Road Trip, visit:
https://guides.rcls.org/RCLSRoadTrip2023