Don’t Miss New Century Libraries Event

Richard Mills

Anyone interested in showing their support for the present and future status of libraries in the North Country is urged to attend the New Century Libraries Advocacy Leadership Meeting, which will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2004 at Clarkson University’s Cheel Arena, Potsdam.

The meeting represents an opportunity for library advocates to learn from one another and coordinate efforts to strengthen support for library services in their communities. The highlight of the meeting will be a speech by Richard Mills, President of the University of the State of New York and Commissioner of Education.

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Governor Cuts Library Aid

Governor George Pataki has vetoed an appropriation of $4.5 million in library aid that had previously been restored by the New York State Legislature. Accompanying the veto was the notation that, "The appropriation bills passed by the Legislature include numerous items that in the aggregate, will adversely impact the State's capacity to maintain a properly balanced budget in the current fiscal year and in subsequent years. Accordingly, this item is objected to and not approved."

The total budget for New York State was approved on August 12 by the Legislature at $101 billion. Total cuts for State programs administered by the Northern New York Library Network total $32,300.

New York’s libraries will also lose approximately $500,000 in federal support as the cut in State funds generates a comparable 5 percent cut in Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds. State aid for libraries has not increased since 1998.

It is now up to the New York State Legislature to determine if these vetoes will be addressed. The Legislature has until Dec. 31 to attempt to override any or all of the Governor’s vetoes.