Governor Cuomo released his FY2021-2022 Executive Budget proposal. For the fifth straight year, he has proposed to reduce funding for our libraries.
From the Governor’s Executive Budget Proposal:
Library Aid: $87M The proposed funding is 7.5% less than what was in last year’s enacted state budget. This proposed CUT fails to acknowledge the crucial role libraries serve in our communities, and the contributions they make to our state’s education system.
Library Construction Aid: $14M The State Library Construction Aid program was reduced by $20M last year. The remaining $14M is less than 1% of the community need. The State Division of Library Development estimates that library renovation and construction needs are $1.6B statewide. Over 50% of public libraries in NYS are 60+ years old, and an additional 31% are 30+ years old. Investment in the Library Construction Aid program must be increased to address aging infrastructure, energy-inefficient buildings, and the evolving ways people use libraries.
Let your elected representatives know we need their support at the Capitol.
ALA's offices and divisions sponsor a variety of library promotions throughout the year that libraries of all types all across the country can get involved with to promote libraries and create awareness of library issues. Check out the links below to see how you can bring these promotions to your library. The oldest of these events is National Library Week.
