A Message from Lauren Moore, New York State Librarian | |
Libraries across the state support New York communities in the pursuit of lifelong learning. Youth services staff deliver timely, tailored programming to young audiences, and the NYS Library is proud to support these important efforts. As April’s solar eclipse approaches, we’re seeing libraries preparing to bring community members of all ages together to learn about and experience this rare event. Our support for public library construction projects helps libraries extend learning opportunities to all community members by building environmentally efficient and sustainable libraries accessible to all.
The NYS Library is also committed to lifelong learning, and to meeting the needs of those we serve. This newsletter highlights an exciting collaborative Cultural Education Center exhibit in celebration of Black History Month. We're also pleased to announce changes to the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) that will support access to government documents.
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The Digital Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) | |
In August of 2023, Scott Matheson, Superintendent of Documents at the U.S. Government Publishing Office, sent a letter to Depository Library Coordinators outlining a framework to transform the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) to a digital program.
What does this mean for libraries? As more trusted digital versions of titles are available, GPO will limit the number of print distribution titles, reducing the number of tangible titles distributed to FDLP libraries. National Collection Service Areas are collaborating to ensure there is continued access to Federal Government information.
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Celebrate Black History with the NYS Library
The NYS Museum, in partnership with the State Library and State Archives, will feature the centerpiece of this year’s Black History Month observance with a special exhibition, The Moral Arc Toward Freedom: Lincoln, King, and the Emancipation Proclamation. This exhibition opens Tuesday, February 13, goes through Sunday, March 3, and focuses on the historical connections between President Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Emancipation Proclamation.
During February, on the 7th floor of the New York State Library, a special exhibit, Understanding Lincoln through Primary Source Documents, will feature cases with selected books and primary source documents from the Library’s collections on President Abraham Lincoln and the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
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While you’re visiting the Cultural Education Center to view the The Moral Arc Toward Freedom: Lincoln, King, and the Emancipation Proclamation, why not use the opportunity to spend some time in the NYS Library? We have exciting collections to explore and knowledgeable staff to help. We encourage library visitors to prepare in advance to make the best use of their library time.
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Getting Ready for the Solar Eclipse | |
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Are you ready for the total solar eclipse that will take place on April 8, 2024? This exciting event will find many parts of New York state in the path of totality, which means those areas will experience a total eclipse if skies are clear. Schools, libraries and cultural institutions are busy planning many different eclipse-related and STEM events to engage students of all ages in this rare phenomenon.
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Statewide Construction Needs Assessment | |
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For public libraries planning a construction project, the process often starts several years before any shovels hit the ground. To assist with the long-term planning of construction projects, the Division of Library Development in the NYS Library, in partnership with the 23 public library systems across the state, conducts a Needs Assessment that compiles possible projects from the 760 public and association libraries serving all New Yorkers.
The most recent Needs Assessment for 2023-2027 is available on the NYS Library’s website. Over 50% of public library buildings in New York are over 60 years old, and it is not surprising that project costs continue to grow, currently totaling $1.75 billion.
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Early Literacy in NYS Libraries | |
Each year, the Division of Library Development (DLD) administers the annual report for public and association libraries, which gathers service and collections information from New York’s 760 public libraries. The annual report also collects information about programming and educational opportunities that New York’s libraries provide to their communities.
The annual report provides a chance to dig deep into library trends and services from many exciting angles. This month, we’re looking at data from the 2022 annual report with a special focus on early literacy programs:
- In 2022, 612 public libraries provided 87,394 programs for 1,574,223 patrons.
- Of those programs, 63% were geared toward child audiences. 34% focused on children and caregivers together. Programs that were targeted only to caregivers totaled 3% of all early literacy programming.
- Libraries made excellent use of community partners to deliver this programming, including childcare centers, non-public schools, health care providers, and public schools and BOCES.
The NYS Library works not only to collect important stories surrounding library services, but also to oversee several initiatives that support the work library workers do to provide early literacy services in their communities.
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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 and open to the public.
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