NYLA Proposal Would Mean Funding Increase

NYLA is proposing a $27 million increase in state aid formulas (Chapter 917) as the best way to ensure that all types of communities, libraries and library systems in New York State receive adequate funding to meet increased demands on their services.

* $7.5 million increase in operating aid to every public library across the state

Library usage increased by 5 million visits from 1998 to 2005. Libraries serve 75% of New York households, yet library aid represents less than one-tenth of one percent of the state budget. This appropriation would result in a total increase of $123,705 for the North Country’s 94 public libraries.

* $15.4 million in operating aid for every library system

New York’s network of library systems enables academic, public, school and special libraries to work together, sharing books and technology, expertise, programs and services that save libraries and taxpayers money. For every $1 in state aid, the library systems provide $3 worth of library services to their member libraries. This appropriation would result in a total increase of $1,025,311 for the region’s eight library systems.

* $1.9 million in book aid for academic libraries

Academic libraries don’t just serve their students and faculty - they help their communities. Each year, these libraries loan tens of thousands of books to New Yorkers. But as the cost of materials has increased, academic libraries have fewer materials to share. This appropriation would result in a total increase of $77,639 for the region’s 10 academic libraries.

In addition, NYLA is seeking the following:

* $5 million annually to expand NOVEL (New York Online Virtual Electronic Library)

NOVEL gives all New Yorkers full access to thousands of newspapers and magazines, basic research databases and valuable business and investment information at no cost through more than 4,000 participating libraries. This successful program needs to be expanded to include all libraries and more databases.