NYLA Legislative and Budgetary Priorities

Restore Library Aid Cuts in 2010-2011 State Budget

Library Aid was reduced by $3 million in 2008 and $12 million in 2009 despite library usage increasing by double digits and library services becoming an essential tool to economic recovery for the unemployed. The Governor’s proposed 2010/2011 State Budget calls for the fifth reduction in Library Aid of $2.4 million that would drop funding below 1998 levels. The combined cuts total $18 million or 18% over 2 years.

Cooperative Bidding for Public Libraries and Library Systems (Passed Senate 3/8 – Passed Assembly 6/29)

This legislation (S.3903 Oppenheimer/A.6154 Paulin) would add public libraries and library systems to list of public entities, like cities, towns, villages, BOCES, school districts, that are allowed to engage in cooperative bidding. 

Public Library Construction Grants

This legislation (S.4248 Aubertine/A.6155 Paulin) (Held in Ways and Means 7/1) would modify the public library construction grant program to enable grants to be used to purchase vacant land as well as lower local match to 25% of project costs for libraries in high need areas.

Public Library Systems Eligible for Local Government Efficiency Grants (Passed Senate 6/3 – In Ways & Means 4/20)

The bill (S.6875A Oppenheimer/A.10412 Bing) would expand eligibility to apply for local government efficiency grants to include public library systems. Currently libraries are allowed to apply, but not library systems.

BOCES-Libraries Internet Partnerships (Passed Senate 3/15 – In Ways & Means 6/16)

This bill (S.4634 Oppenheimer/A.8673 Gunther) would authorize BOCES to contract with public libraries or library systems for internet services. 

Tax-Check Off to Support Summer Reading (Passed Senate 6/16 and Assembly 4/28)

This bill (S.7551 Oppenheimer/A.7253 Galef) would allow state  personal and corporate income tax payers to make contribution to “Love Your Library Fund” which supports the statewide summer reading program.

Association Libraries Opt Into State Retirement

The bill (S.1760 Farley/A.10012 Paulin) would allow association libraries to join the NYS retirement system upon approval by their board.

Statewide Purchasing of Databases/Electronic Resources

This legislation (S.6901 DeFrancisco/A.10898 Destito) would authorize the state library to negotiate statewide licenses for online databases/electronic resources for state agencies, libraries and other eligible entities saving taxpayers and governments money.

Public Librarian Certificate Fee

This legislation (S.4635 Oppenheimer/A.6479 Paulin) would increase fee for public librarian certification from $5 (set in 1959) to $50. The increased fee is needed by the State Library to offset administrative costs for processing new continuing education requirements for public librarians that went into effect January 2010.


2010 Legislative Priorities downloadable PDF