A Message from Lauren Moore, New York State Librarian

Last month the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries (RAC) shared its Vision 2022, a framework for libraries that aims to inspire, support, and affirm the excellent work being done and codify a shared vision for libraries across New York. It reflects the input of hundreds of library workers and supporters statewide.

The Vision 2022 identifies a set of shared values endorsed by libraries of all types in New York:

Universal Access
Equity for All
Resilient Communities
Passionate Advocates
Innovation Engines

These values inform three strategic priorities at the heart of Vision 2022:

Libraries Ensure All New Yorkers Have Access to Information & the Internet
Libraries Advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Libraries Are Essential to the Social Wellbeing of Communities

Reading this document, thinking about it, and reflecting on it makes me so excited to be part of the library community. I hope it inspires the same feelings in all of you. The NYS Library and RAC look forward to using this document as the foundation for ongoing conversations and collaboration with New York’s library community. Please join us!

Visit our website to learn more about RAC Vision 2022

Trustee Education Helps Libraries Thrive

Public library trustees are the stewards of our libraries. In New York State they oversee an estimated $1.6 billion of the public’s money—a responsibility that is undertaken by informed, thoughtful, prudent, and trustworthy library boards. Taking part in continuing education helps trustees make important decisions for their libraries and the communities they serve.

Beginning January 1, 2023, all trustees of public library, association and Indian Libraries in New York will be required to complete a minimum of two hours of trustee education annually (Education Law 260-d added by Chapter 468 of the Laws of 2021). The NYS Library has created a Trustee Education FAQ, now available on our website to help trustees and library directors understand the new law and the new requirements. We’ve also provided helpful templates for tracking and reporting trustee continuing education hours.

The NYS Library encourages trustees and library directors to reach out to their public library system with questions about the new Trustee Education requirements. If you have questions about the Trustee Education materials posted on the NYS Library website, reach out to Frank Rees (Francis.Rees@nysed.gov), Public Library Systems Program Manager and Library Development Specialist here at the NYS Library.

View the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State

Help New Yorkers With Reading Disabilities Access Free Audiobooks with TBBL Services

Recent changes to the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library’s application certification process has made it easier for individuals with reading disabilities to apply for services, including access to free downloadable audiobooks.

Until recently, individuals with reading disabilities were required to have a diagnosis and signature from a doctor of medicine to approve their eligibility for service. Now a medical diagnosis is no longer necessary. Rather, public and school librarians, social workers, school psychologists, counselors, reading specialists, speech pathologists, and other educators may certify the eligibility of applicants with reading disabilities. The NYS Talking Book and Braille Library applications have been updated to include this change to certification procedures. Help us meet our goal of enrolling all eligible New Yorkers!

Once eligible children and adults have been enrolled in the program, they will have free access to BARD, a collection of over 120,000 digital books and magazines in audio formats.

Visit our website to apply

Library Programs

We're Making History! Join the Personal History Initiative

The experiences of all New Yorkers make up the foundation of our state’s history. To record and preserve that history, the NYS Library’s Manuscripts and Special Collections (MSC) unit invites New Yorkers to share their stories through The Personal History Initiative (PHI). The PHI provides a way for everyday people to participate directly in adding to the historical record. Our monthly challenges are a great way to engage your community and document your community’s history.

Learn more about the Personal History Initiative

Connect to All Kinds of Expertise with NYS Library Public Programs

We maintain a robust calendar of events! Check back often for programs from across the NYS Library, including author and researcher talks, professional development opportunities for library staff, facilitated conversations on timely topics, and exciting explorations of NYS Library collections and services. All programs are free, virtual, and open to the public.

View all upcoming programs