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Library leaders ask Albany for sharp increases in operating and construction aid

Assembly Standing Committee on Libraries and Education Technology · October 21, 2024
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Summary

Library leaders told the Assembly committee that state operating and construction aid fall far short of needs, asking for $176.8 million in state aid, $175 million in construction aid and restored per‑pupil materials funding; witnesses said system-level funding multiplies local dollars and supports rural equity, digital services and disaster preparedness.

Assemblyman Angelo Santa Barbara convened the Assembly Standing Committee on Libraries and Education Technology for testimony from library leaders across the state on funding needs and priorities.

Annalie Dragon, executive director of the New York Library Association (NYLA), said New York’s libraries require ‘‘substantially greater investments to address decades of sustained underfunding, rising costs, and the rapidly expanding scope of services.’’ NYLA asked the Legislature for $176,800,000 in state library operating aid, $175,000,000 in state library…

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