| Did You Know? 53% of New Yorkers are registered public library users, however New York State libraries have been underfunded for more than a decade. Without your help the trend may continue this year. |
| Despite support for increasing Library Operating Aid last year, the Executive Budget proposal for FY2024 includes a $3.5M cut in Library Operating Aid. Libraries will struggle to serve their communities and students with the proposed budget. Please help us advocate for funding that complies with Education Law. You can advocate for libraries in many different ways. One option is to contact our elected officials by using pre-printed postcards that are available at the library, or by clicking here to send an e-postcard. A few “factoids” that will be of interest to north country residents are: * Since 2011, there have been an average of 159.4 million library visits per year. Yearly attendance at Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and New York Giants games averages 3.4 million. * 63.6% of New York public libraries are the ONLY free access to computers/Internet in their communities. Over 17,300 public terminals are connected to the Internet. * 98.4% of New York State public libraries have wireless availability. New Yorkers logged in for 21.9 million sessions last year. Advocacy for libraries happens year-round. Please stop in to pick up this year’s advocacy materials and a brochure full of eye opening facts about the value of New York libraries to the people of New York State. Please, also contact your state representatives. The New York State Library Association makes contacting your representatives regarding library advocacy very easy. Visit this link, fill out your contact information, and it will automatically send a message to your representative that you want them to support libraries in New York State. |
