Advocacy Resources

we heart libraries across the southern tier

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.

Executive Budget:

The Executive Budget was released by Governor Kathy Hochul on January 16, 2024. It includes:

  • Library Aid $102.1M
    • +$3.5M increase from FY2023 Enacted Budget
  • Library Construction $34M
    • Flat to FY2024 Enacted Budget
  • Library Materials Aid: $6.25/pupil
    • Flat to FY2024 Enacted Budget
  • NOVELny: $3M
    • New allocation for FY2025

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

Funding 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 DistrictNYS Senate District
Addison Public LibraryAD 132SD 58
Alfred Box of Books LibraryAD 148SD 58
Almond 20th Century Club LibraryAD 148SD 58
Angelica Free LibraryAD 148SD 57
Arkport Public LibraryAD 132SD 58
Atlanta – E.J. Cottrell Memorial LibraryAD 133SD 58
Avoca Free LibraryAD 132SD 58
Bath – Dormann LibraryAD 132SD 58
Belfast Public LibraryAD 148SD 57
Belmont Literary & Historical SocietyAD 148SD 58
Bolivar Free LibraryAD 148SD 57
Branchport – Modeste Bedient Memorial LibraryAD 132SD 58
Canaseraga – Essential Club Free LibraryAD 148SD 58
Canisteo – Wimodaughsian Free LibraryAD 148SD 58
CCLD – Big Flats LibraryAD 124SD 58
CCLD – Steele Memorial LibraryAD 124SD 58
CCLD – Horseheads Free LibraryAD 124SD 58
CCLD – Van Etten LibraryAD 132SD 58
CCLD – West Elmira LibraryAD 124SD 58
Cohocton Public LibraryAD 133SD 58
Corning – Southeast Steuben County LibraryAD 132SD 58
Cuba Circulating LibraryAD 148SD 57
Dundee LibraryAD 132SD 58
Fillmore – Wide Awake Club LibraryAD 148SD 57
Friendship Free LibraryAD 148SD 57
Greenwood Reading CenterAD 148SD 58
Hammondsport – Fred & Harriett Taylor Mem. Lib.AD 132SD 58
Hector – Elizabeth B. Pert Reading CenterAD 132SD 58
Hornell Public LibraryAD 132SD 58
Howard Public LibraryAD 132SD 58
Jasper Free LibraryAD 148SD 57
Genesee LibraryAD 148SD 57
Middlesex Reading CenterAD 132SD 58
Montour Falls Memorial LibraryAD 132SD 58
Odessa – Dutton S. Peterson Mem. Lib.AD 132SD 58
Penn Yan Public LibraryAD 132SD 58
Prattsburg Free LibraryAD 133SD 58
Pulteney Free LibraryAD 132SD 58
Richburg Colonial LibraryAD 148SD 57
Rushford Free LibraryAD 148SD 57
Rushville – Mabel D. Blodgett Mem. LibAD 132SD 58
Savona – Benedek Memorial LibraryAD 132SD 58
Watkins Glen Public LibraryAD 132SD 58
Wayland Free LibraryAD 133SD 58
Wellsville – David A. Howe Public LibraryAD 148SD 58
Whitesville Public LibraryAD 148SD 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

Congressman Nick Langworthy

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Senator Charles Schumer


Thank you for your participation and ongoing support of Southern Tier libraries!

#LibrariesAreForEveryone

 

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