“I am saddened to learn of the passing of New York State Librarian Bernard Margolis. In my short time as chair of the Assembly committee on Libraries and Educational Technology, Bernie went above and beyond – even in declining health – to help me and my office understand the critical issues facing our libraries. Bernie quickly became a friend, and I will remember with fondness his generosity and thoughtfulness when we toured the State Library. It was my honor to share with his team, and the State Education Commissioner, a proclamation celebrating the State Library’s bicentennial just last week. New York State is a better place because of Bernie Margolis, and he will be missed dearly by the whole library community. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”