Binghamton, NY- Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced that the Binghamton City School District has been awarded a $229,817 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to provide students with increased access to current school library materials and an advanced school library media center.

"This grant will help Binghamton's schools improve students' reading skills by making library resources easier to access," Hinchey said. "It is imperative that we provide our children with the latest tools and resources so they can achieve academic success. I appreciate the U.S. Department of Education's support of Binghamton public school system and will continue to work to ensure future federal assistance."

The Binghamton City School District will use these funds to improve student achievement in literacy through enhancing and integrating library media services. The funds will help upgrade existing library holdings with collections of print, audio, video, technological and digital resources. In addition, Binghamton plans to extend library hours and integrate library services with staff through in-school and after-school initiatives.

The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Education's Literacy & School Libraries Program, which is designed to give students increased access to up-to-date school library materials, a well-resourced technologically advanced school library media center, and a well-trained professionally certified school library media specialists to improve literacy skills and achievement of students.