Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WP-Sag Harbor) announced that an additional $5 million for aid to public libraries is included in the final 2014-15 New York State Budget, which was adopted on March 31, 2014.

As Chairman of the New York State Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, the Assemblyman strongly opposed the Executive Budget’s proposed cut in library aid, and fought hard during Budget negotiations to bring the funding level as close to the $102.4 million that is required by NYS Education Law for libraries and library systems to maintain the critical information infrastructure that they provide. “While I would have liked to have seen even more aid directed to our State’s public libraries, I was pleased that the final budget includes an additional $5 million, for a total of $87.9 million,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “This aid will assist libraries and library systems to continue to provide New Yorkers with access to a wide variety of resources, services, and educational and literacy programming.”

Libraries and library systems provide, efficiently and equitably, critical services, education and access to information to New Yorkers throughout their lives. No other State-funded service serves so many people for so few dollars. Libraries provide, for example:

• Early literacy for preschool children through story hours in many languages,
• Resources and homework help for school-age children,
• Workforce development programs ranging from TASC/GED classes, to ESL classes for recent immigrants, to workshops for adults looking to find a new job or write an effective resume,
• Access to literature and the arts through adult book groups, workshops in the arts, films and concerts,
• Trained facilitators to help families enroll in the New York State Health Marketplace, and
• Information for senior citizens needing help in applying for Social Security and Medicare.

Libraries are widely supported by the communities they serve. Over the past three years, on average, 97% of library budgets have been approved by the voters. Only in a public library can a citizen receive so many critical programs and services free of charge. In over two-thirds of New York communities, public libraries are the only source of free Internet access. For many low-income families, the local library is the primary source of Internet access. Without such access, many New York residents would find it difficult or impossible to research employment opportunities, file their income taxes, apply to college, and become informed voters.

Assemblyman Thiele stressed, “It is important that New York State continue to invest in, support, and expand Library programs because it is crucial that our communities continue to be anchored by vibrant public libraries.”