Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) is calling on the State Legislature to fully fund library operating aid and invest $175 million in library construction funding, warning that proposed cuts would hurt communities especially small towns and rural areas that rely on libraries as vital community hubs.

The New York State Library Association proposal includes $181.32 million in Library Operating Aid, along with an increase in the per-pupil funding rate to $11.33 per student. Notably, this would mark the first increase in per-pupil library aid since 2007.

“Libraries do far more than lend books,” said Bendett. “They are community centers, learning spaces, job-search hubs, and safe gathering places especially in small towns where resources are limited. Cutting library aid would be a step in the wrong direction.”

Gov. Hochul’s Executive Budget proposal includes cuts to library funding, which Bendett strongly opposes.

“At a time when families are being squeezed by rising costs, libraries are providing critical services including free internet access, workforce resources, educational programming, and community support,” Bendett said. “We should be strengthening these institutions, not reducing their funding.”

In addition to operating aid, Bendett is advocating for $175 million in capital funding for library construction and renovation projects, allowing libraries to modernize facilities, improve accessibility, and meet growing community needs.

Bendett emphasized that investing in libraries is an investment in education, economic opportunity, and quality of life across New York State.