The New York State Reading Association

SUPPORTS
A.8354 S.3994

To establish the New Century Libraries Act

The more than 5,000 members of the New York State Reading Association (NYSRA) come from many backgrounds. NYSRA members are professionals serving the public as reading teachers, classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, administrators, and others interested in literacy and reading skills development. We welcome this opportunity to present our recommendations relating to legislative and budgetary initiatives for the 2003 and 2004 Legislative Sessions.

The New York State Reading Association supports A.8354, S.3994, which would make the New Century Libraries initiative law. New Century Libraries originated from the work of the State Board of Regents Commission on Library Services and includes provisions to implement the 10 recommendations in the Commission's final report. These include:

  • The New York Online Virtual Electronic Library (NOVEL), which will deliver high quality, reliable full text digital information to all New Yorkers.
  • Public Library construction, expansion, and renovation to ensure that New York’s libraries are accessible to all library users and can accommodate advances in technology.
  • Support for reading programs for adults and families in New York's public libraries.
  • Higher standards of access to library services for all New Yorkers through equality and excellence initiatives, including need based aid, NY EXCELS (New York's Excellent Library Service Program) to stimulate every library and library system to achieve excellence through additional incentive and enabling aid, an urban library initiative, and an academic and research initiative.
  • Enhancing quality local public library service for all New Yorkers and improving local support for public libraries through incentives for the voluntary formation of Public Library Districts.
  • Providing support for quality public school library service for students in high-needs school district to ensure that students have the school libraries they need higher standards and raise their achievement levels.
  • Providing support for recruitment, training, and retention programs at libraries and graduate schools that attract and teach new librarians.

New Yorkers depend on libraries more than ever, and library use has surged 20% statewide since September 2001. Yet space to accommodate new programs and technology is at a premium. Many library buildings need to be replaced, and others need major renovation to accommodate technology and provide access to those with disabilities. Improvement of the physical and technological infrastructure of public libraries will enable them to serve as community and educational resources for all families, particularly those at risk.

NYSRA has long advocated for increased support for school libraries and for ensuring access for students to certified school libraries. Strong school library programs with competent staffing in the form of a certified school library media specialist are vital to the potential and success of our students in this era of high stakes standards and performance requirements.

Accordingly, NYSRA is particularly pleased that this legislation proposes to invest $15 million to help provide public school libraries with support for:

  • Certified school libraries to ensure the information and resources needs of students are adequate met;
  • Adequate library resources, including print, non-print and electronic materials;
  • Access to technology, including expanded Internet access.

For these reasons and more, the New York State Reading Association supports this very important legislation and urges its passage by the New York State Legislature during the 2003 Legislative session.

Janice F. Almasi Francine Z. Stayter

President Advocacy Coordinator

For additional information on the New York State Reading Association, please contact our headquarters at 99 Pine Street, Albany, NY 12207, or Phone/Fax: 518-434-4748.