Regents' "New Century Libraries" Legislative Initative A version of this article appeared in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle - March 14, 2001 When librarians get passionate, it’s usually about good books, helping people find information, or instilling in children a love of reading. These are the very reasons why librarians are passionate about the Regents’ "New Century Libraries" legislative initiative highlighted in the March 12 Democrat & Chronicle. The $95 million bill, the most sweeping library legislation ever put forth by the Regents, would significantly increase funding for literacy and library construction, and create urban and need-based library aid programs. All public libraries in Monroe County would receive additional state aid, which could be used to purchase materials and computer resources, expand programming and renovate facilities. The Rochester Public Library alone would receive more than $200,000 under the urban library aid program that could be used to expand hours and provide after-school programming for school age children and literacy programs for all ages. And the County Library System would receive $850,000 per year for renovation and expansion of library facilities – with a 75% state match for the neediest communities. The combination of construction funding and operating budget assistance could lay the groundwork for a Library Renaissance! Unfortunately, none of this will happen if the state legislature and governor fail to act. Those of us who appreciate libraries cannot afford to let that happen. Too often, libraries are forgotten when the final pieces of the state budget are assembled. Each year, thousands of postcards are forwarded to state legislators from patrons urging increased funding for libraries. Each year we are told our needs are valid and what we do is important – but in the end, libraries are too often overlooked. While the last decade saw record amounts of State funding for schools, library aid did not even keep pace with inflation, let alone meet the growing demand for electronic services in a digital age. Your library serves everyone in the community without regard to economic or social status. It is there for you when you need information, when your children need resources for school assignments, when you need leisure reading material, when you need to access the Internet, and when you need to research your family history. Now you need to be there for libraries – by passionately expressing your support for the "New Century Libraries" bill to your elected state representatives. Let them know that 21st century libraries need 21st century funding. Richard Panz, Director
Central Library of Rochester and Monroe
County, NY |
