CHENANGO COUNTY – The BOOKS (Books Open Opportunities for Kids to Succeed) program, a partnership between NY State Senator Fred Akshar of Binghamton and Morrisville State College, recently awarded $7,500 in grant funding to 25 libraries scattered throughout Broome, Delaware, Chenango and Tioga counties.

Program funding is made available to local libraries in an effort to initiate, enhance and expand children's reading.

Each of the 25 libraries were awarded $300 for the purchase of new children's books and cultivate new and exciting programs that make the library a fun place for children to visit.