Encourage our legislators to #FundLibraries!
The 2024 New York State Legislative Session has begun! With the start of Session, we are urging lawmakers to fund New York’s libraries, protect them from threats to their ability to effectively serve all members of their communities, and empower them through legislation that enables the effective use of existing resources and the innovation of new ways to serve their patrons.
The Executive Budget was released by Governor Kathy Hochul on January 16, 2024. It includes:
As such, we are advocating for robust increases to Library Operating Aid, Library Construction Aid, Library Materials Aid, and funding for NOVELny, as well as a set of diverse legislative policy initiatives that reflect the wide range of issues currently impacting libraries and librarianship. Learn more about the policy initiatives for this year: https://www.nyla.org/2024-legislative-initiatives
NYS Library Operating Aid: $147.1M
Increased aid is needed to support the foundational framework of New York State libraries, improving the lives of residents of all ages, abilities and economic status.
Adequate funding is needed to support school, public, and academic libraries and library systems.
NYS Library Construction Aid: $69.4M
Increased investment is needed to maintain and develop the physical infrastructure of New York State’s libraries, in order to ensure a safe, accessible and sustainable environment for the future.
The New York State Library estimates the deferred maintenance need at over $1.5B.
Over half of New York’s libraries are over 60 years old.
Investments allow libraries to invest in energy-efficiency and support the local construction industry.
Secure Funding for NOVELny: $3M
NYLA supports the New York Board of Regents’ proposed FY2025 budget priority for $3 million to continue NOVELny beyond its scheduled funding-related termination on June 30, 2024, and for consistent future funding.
Doing so would ensure equity of access to essential database resources for all New Yorkers, from students in K-12 classrooms to life-long learners in the public setting.
Increase Rate for Library Materials Aid: $11.00/pupil
The per pupil rate of $6.25 has remained stagnant since 2007. We are seeking an increase to the rate to reflect general inflation and the rising costs of materials in school libraries.
This page is intended to connect Southern Tier residents with state and federal representatives. It also highlights current library issues you can weigh in on as a library supporter. Feel free to use the information below to find your local legislators and to voice your opinions regarding matters that concern you most.
NYS Assembly District | NYS Senate District | |
Addison Public Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Alfred Box of Books Library | AD 148 | SD 58 |
Almond 20th Century Club Library | AD 148 | SD 58 |
Angelica Free Library | AD 148 | SD 57 |
Arkport Public Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Atlanta – E.J. Cottrell Memorial Library | AD 133 | SD 58 |
Avoca Free Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Bath – Dormann Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Belfast Public Library | AD 148 | SD 57 |
Belmont Literary & Historical Society | AD 148 | SD 58 |
Bolivar Free Library | AD 148 | SD 57 |
Branchport – Modeste Bedient Memorial Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Canaseraga – Essential Club Free Library | AD 148 | SD 58 |
Canisteo – Wimodaughsian Free Library | AD 148 | SD 58 |
CCLD – Big Flats Library | AD 124 | SD 58 |
CCLD – Steele Memorial Library | AD 124 | SD 58 |
CCLD – Horseheads Free Library | AD 124 | SD 58 |
CCLD – Van Etten Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
CCLD – West Elmira Library | AD 124 | SD 58 |
Cohocton Public Library | AD 133 | SD 58 |
Corning – Southeast Steuben County Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Cuba Circulating Library | AD 148 | SD 57 |
Dundee Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Fillmore – Wide Awake Club Library | AD 148 | SD 57 |
Friendship Free Library | AD 148 | SD 57 |
Greenwood Reading Center | AD 148 | SD 58 |
Hammondsport – Fred & Harriett Taylor Mem. Lib. | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Hector – Elizabeth B. Pert Reading Center | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Hornell Public Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Howard Public Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Jasper Free Library | AD 148 | SD 57 |
Genesee Library | AD 148 | SD 57 |
Middlesex Reading Center | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Montour Falls Memorial Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Odessa – Dutton S. Peterson Mem. Lib. | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Penn Yan Public Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Prattsburg Free Library | AD 133 | SD 58 |
Pulteney Free Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Richburg Colonial Library | AD 148 | SD 57 |
Rushford Free Library | AD 148 | SD 57 |
Rushville – Mabel D. Blodgett Mem. Lib | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Savona – Benedek Memorial Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Watkins Glen Public Library | AD 132 | SD 58 |
Wayland Free Library | AD 133 | SD 58 |
Wellsville – David A. Howe Public Library | AD 148 | SD 58 |
Whitesville Public Library | AD 148 | SD 58 |
NYS Senate Members
Senator George M. Borrello (SD 57)
Senator Thomas F. O’Mara (SD 58)
NYS Assembly Members
Assemblyman Philip Palmesano (AD 132)
Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (AD 133)
Assemblyman Christopher Friend (AD 124)
Assemblyman Joseph Giglio (AD 148)
Federal Representatives
Thank you for your participation and ongoing support of Southern Tier libraries!
#LibrariesAreForEveryone