Relates to conducting a study on the access of state public libraries and library systems to capital funding; provides the department of education, in consultation with the dormitory authority, the office of the state comptroller, and the public library systems of the state, shall assess and report on the capital needs of such public library systems, including public libraries and association libraries.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A5525
SPONSOR: Simon (MS) TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to conducting a study on
the access of state public libraries and library systems to capital
funding
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This legislation would require the Commissioner of the State Education
Department, in consultation with the dormitory authority, the office of
the state comptroller, and the public library systems of the state to
complete a study on the capital needs of libraries and library systems
in New York State.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
This legislation would require the Commissioner of the State Education
Department, in consultation with the dormitory authority, the office of
the state comptroller, and the public library systems of the state to
conduct a study and identify current options available to libraries for
financing capital projects along with their projected needs over a five
year period. Additionally,, such study shall identify any special needs,
barriers to accessing financing and options for financing for public
libraries serving communities with populations of less than seventy-five
hundred. The legislation would require such study and recommendations to
be provided to the Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Temporary
President of the Senate, the Chair of the Assembly Libraries and Educa-
tion Technology Committee and the Chair of the Senate Select Committee
on Libraries.
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State's public libraries are rapidly aging. More than 48% of
local libraries are over 60 years old and an additional 33% are over 30
years old. Failure to adequately fund local libraries' capital needs
falls disproportionately on communities with diminished economic
resources the lack of investment has forced the sale of some public
libraries. Additionally, libraries in economically disadvantaged commu-
nities cannot afford basic investment in energy-efficient upgrades and
increased operating costs have forced shorter hours, reduced staffing,
and reduced programming. Public libraries remain unable to accommodate
advances in technological infrastructure, make investments in energy
efficiency, or increase access for persons with disabilities due to the
lack of access to capital financing. The purpose of this study is to
identify and provide recommendations for the improvement of access to
capital funding to our public libraries and public library system.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A7965 Simon S1418 Comrie -referred to libraries and education
technology
2021-2022: A92 -referred to libraries and education technology
2019-2020: A0792 referred to Libraries and Education Technology
2017-2018: A7630 passed Assembly
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
to be determined
EFFECTIVE DATE:
this act shall take effect immediately
