(Queens, NY) – NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) is applauding the recent State Senate passage of several bills that are designed to help libraries throughout New York more easily manage their finances, protect and preserve unique materials and attract new customers through partnerships with schools.
“Our state’s libraries, as we know from our very own extraordinary Queens Library system, are an integral part of our communities: providing opportunities for reading, learning, access to technology, and special programs for children, seniors, immigrants, job seekers and many other residents,” said Addabbo, who is a member of the NYS Senate Select Committee on Libraries. “I was very pleased that we were able to increase funding by $4 million for our libraries in this year’s 2013-2014 State Budget, and we are now working to pass legislation to help them meet new goals and challenges.”
The three bills recently approved by the State Senate are:
S.2018: Co-sponsored by Addabbo, this legislation would create partnerships between school districts and public libraries located within their borders by enabling schools to distribute library card information and applications to all students entering kindergarten, sixth grade, and ninth grade. The public library information would also be given to all new students and made available in school libraries. “Providing these materials to our children as they move from kindergarten to middle school and high school may encourage them to become library members and expand their educational horizons,” said Addabbo, who is also a member of the Senate Education Committee.
S.2856: This bill would eliminate a competitive grant program for research libraries seeking financial aid to preserve and conserve unique and often fragile materials in their collections and instead provide the funding through New York State Budget formula aid. “This will eliminate significant red tape and staff time that is now spent working through the competitive grant process for both the libraries and the State Education Department,” said Addabbo. “By simplifying the process and making the aid part of the existing funding stream, our state’s research libraries will be in a better position to safeguard their rare and precious documents and other materials.”
S.2857: This legislation would lend a helping hand to library systems that, owing to reduced funding on the local level or impacts from natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy, are unable to provide the same level of programming as the previous year and are therefore at risk of losing state support under maintenance of effort laws. Specifically, the bill would enable the State Education Commissioner the flexibility to grant library maintenance of effort waivers for one or multiple years, depending on local circumstances. “This legislation offers a vote of confidence to our libraries that we know they are always trying to do their best, no matter what, and that they need us to work cooperatively with them when times are really tough,” said Addabbo.
Having passed the State Senate, the bills are now being considered by the State Assembly.
As a strong advocate for libraries and all of the resources they provide for adults and children alike, Addabbo also invited residents to visit his New York State Senate webpage at http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/joseph-p-addabbo-jr to view the Summer Reading Challenge program he is sponsoring for school children in the 15th Senatorial District. “When school ends for the year, I want to encourage our students to keep reading throughout the summer – both for enjoyment and to help prepare them for the new school year in September,” he said. Information about the summer reading program is also available by calling Addabbo’s district office at 718-738-1111.
