Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess), chair of the Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, announced that the State Assembly’s 2018-19 budget proposal provides $64 million for library construction grants and restores proposed cuts to library operations aid. This appropriation would deliver needed funding to protect and strengthen New York State public libraries and the invaluable programs they provide.

“Public libraries are essential community hubs and trusted spaces that provide New Yorkers – young and old – with access to broadband, career services, educational programs, storytime, tax preparation and computer skills among so many other activities,” said Barrett. “The Assembly is showing it’s committed to supporting libraries in every corner of New York State with this budget.”

The proposal for library construction grants is $50 million beyond the governor’s proposal and would far surpass any previous amount allocated for library construction and infrastructure. The Assembly budget also restores $4 million in aid to public libraries, for a total of $95.6 million. Further, it includes $250,000 for the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and $75,000 for the Langston Hughes Library, both vital resources of African-American history and culture.

In addition to advocating for funding for libraries in the state budget, Barrett is actively engaged with the Mid-Hudson Library System with which she partners on her annual Women’s History in the Hudson Valley booklet, as well as the #GetTickedOff Lyme and tick-borne disease public forums held in libraries throughout the 106th Assembly District.