ASSEMBLYMAN SLATER CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING AT PATTERSON LIBRARY WITH $20,000 FUNDING BOOST

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) with Patterson Library staff at the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) today joined Patterson Library staff and local leaders to celebrate the official groundbreaking of a new development project at the Patterson Library. The project is being made possible in part by $20,000 in state bullet aid secured by Slater in August of last year.

A long-time advocate for public libraries, Slater has consistently worked to protect and expand funding for these vital community institutions. During the 2024 Legislative Session, he led efforts to prevent proposed budget cuts that would have negatively impacted library services across New York. In addition to funding for Patterson Library, Slater also secured $20,000 each for the Kent Public Library and Putnam Valley Library to support essential upgrades and expansion efforts.

“People of all ages go to libraries and for so many different reasons besides just checking out a book; libraries offer research databases, tutoring programs, GED prep, ESL classes, free public computers and Wi-Fi, access to printers, small business resources, civil service test prep, after-school programs, local art exhibits and history archives, town halls, quiet study spaces for students and so much more,” said Slater. “I’m proud to support the Patterson Library as it begins this exciting new chapter, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the community.”

The Patterson Library project will focus on revitalizing the Adult Library space to better serve patrons’ needs and create a more welcoming, functional environment for the entire community.

“Patterson Library is excited to announce the start of construction on a series of improvements to our Adult Library, designed to enhance the comfort, accessibility and overall experience for our patrons. These upgrades include two new reading nooks with comfortable seating and tables, improved accessibility through lower shelving and updated HVAC and lighting systems to increase energy efficiency. The space will also receive new carpeting and a fresh coat of paint,” said Patterson Library Director Stephanie Harrison. “We are deeply grateful to Assemblyman Slater for helping to secure essential funding for this project. Additional support from the New York State Aid for Library Construction program and our capital reserve fund has also made these improvements possible.”

Patterson Town Supervisor Richard Williams said, “I want to thank Assemblyman Slater for securing this critical funding and the Patterson Library for their continued commitment to serving residents of all ages. When we invest in our libraries, we ensure they can continue investing in us.”