BILL NUMBER: S5989
SPONSOR: BYNOE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to library cards issued
to minors
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to provide families living in the state with
a mechanism to register their children for a library card when enrolling
such child in school.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill would provide that upon registration of a minor
to attend full time instruction, parents may check a space on such
registration authorizing such minor to receive a library card from the
respective local library, pursuant to a method established by the
regents.
Section 2 shall provide that the effective date shall take effect on the
one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Libraries are not just repositories of books; they're also vibrant
centers of discovery. For children, the library can be a place of
excitement and a hub of learning through books, digital materials, and
other educational services. Access to a library card from a young age
opens the door for enhanced development of literacy and language skills,
community engagement, and exposure to diverse perspectives.
This bill would provide that upon registration of a minor to attend full
time instruction, parents may check a space on such registration author-
izing such minor to receive a library card from the respective local
library, pursuant to a method established by the regents. In doing so,
this small mechanism will allow additional children to explore the vast
services and opportunities that libraries have to offer and allow chil-
dren the space to expand their interests through the joys of reading.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S9352 (Chu) - Referred to Libraries.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it
shall have become a law.

Statutes affected:
S5989: 3205 education law