Albany – Assemblymember Karen McMahon (D-Amherst) and members of the New York State Legislature passed Resolution No. 944 on Tuesday proclaiming February 2026 as “Library Lover’s Month” in the State of New York.

“I am proud to support this resolution naming February as Library Lover’s Month in New York State,” said Assemblymember McMahon. “This recognition celebrates the extraordinary role libraries play in communities across the state as lifelong learning centers, inclusive community spaces, and gateways to exploring culture, technology, opportunity, and much more.”

McMahon, a member of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Technology, has been a staunch advocate for public library systems and, throughout her tenure, brought vital resources to Amherst Public Libraries and the Buffalo and Erie County Public Libraries. Most recently, this includes $10,000 in funding for AWE All-in-One Learning Stations at Amherst Public Libraries.

McMahon also highlighted the special significance of designating February as Library Lover’s Month while it also represents Black History Month. This timing is particularly meaningful as Amherst and Western New York celebrate the recent renaming of Amherst’s main library as the Honorable Shirley Chisholm Library, honoring the life and legacy of the first Black woman elected to Congress, the first Black candidate to win a major party’s presidential nomination, and former Amherst resident.

“Libraries are engines of curiosity, connection, and equity that empower New Yorkers of all ages to explore new ideas, build community, and pursue dreams,” said McMahon. “By celebrating our libraries, we affirm our commitment to an informed and engaged society.”