BILL NUMBER: S6870
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to conducting a study on
the access of state public libraries and library systems to capital
funding
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This legislation would require the Commissioner of the State Education
Department, in consultation with the dormitory authority, the office of
the state comptroller, and the public library systems of the state to
complete a study on the capital needs of libraries and library systems
in New York State.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
This legislation would require the Commissioner of the State Education
Department, in consultation with the dormitory authority, the office of
the state comptroller, and the public library systems of the state to
conduct a study and identify current options available to libraries for
financing capital projects along with their projected needs over a five
year period. Additionally, such study shall identify any special needs,
barriers to accessing financing and options for financing for public
libraries.
The legislation would require such study and recommendations to be
provided to the Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Temporary
President of the Senate, the Chair of the Assembly Libraries and Educa-
tion Technology Committee and the Chair of the Senate Standing Committee
on Libraries.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State's public libraries are rapidly aging. More than 48% of
local libraries are over 60 years old and an additional 33% are over 30
years old. Failure to adequately fund local libraries' capital needs
falls disproportionately on communities with diminished economic
resources the lack of investment has forced the sale of some public
libraries. Additionally, libraries in economically disadvantaged commu-
nities cannot afford basic investment in energy-efficient upgrades and
increased operating costs have forced shorter hours, reduced staffing,
and reduced programming. Public libraries remain unable to accommodate
advances in technological infrastructure, make investments in energy
efficiency, or increase access for persons with disabilities due to the
lack of access to capital financing. The purpose of this study is to
identify and provide recommendations for the improvement of access to
capital funding to our public libraries and public library system.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S1418 Comrie/ A7965 Simon
2022: S3706a
2017-2018: A.7630 Passed Assembly
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.

Statutes affected:
S6870: 273-a education law