MidHudson News is reporting Assemblymember Didi Barrett has secured $85,000 to be shared by the 16 libraries within the 106th Assembly District. A total of $5,000 was allocated to the Philmont Library for a special project. The remaining $80,000 will be divided equally among the libraries in Barrett's district for their specific needs. “Libraries have served as an important community resource for information, access to wi-fi, virtual programs, support of children who are struggling with virtual classrooms, helping people who are socially isolated and much more,” said Ric Sweirat, chairman of the Mid-Hudson Library System Board. “These grants will go far in supporting libraries to continue providing these supports for our community.” Barrett noted that libraries have become even more important than ever given the pandemic as they expanded their high-tech role. Read the full story at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.