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New York State Library News & Events

September 2026

The New York State Library’s services, programs, and collections are made possible by federal Library Service and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Back to School, (18)90’s Style 

The NYS Library can help you get ready for back-to-school season, no matter your age or what you're learning! Cover your textbooks and sharpen those number 2 pencils because we're digging into our collections for the best in back-to-school. 

Get tips on searching our catalog, diagramming a sentence (the Shaker way), and packing a good lunch, all on our blog! And don’t forget to add the most important item to your back-to-school list—a library card! 

Load up your backpack on the NYS Library blog. 

Be Good, Do Good Volunteer Fair

The NYS Library is excited to bring the Greater Capital Region’s cultural heritage and cultural education institutions to the forefront at the Be Good, Do Good volunteer fair.  

Be prepared to learn about the crucial work of these organizations on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. You will find information tables from participating organizations spread across the 1st floor galleries of the New York State Museum. 

We'd like to thank the Suffolk County Public Library Directors Association, the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, and the Nassau Library System for maintaining their community service initiative, the Great Give Back. This community event also aligns with America Gives, one of the programs of America250, the bipartisan commemoration of U.S. history. 

Register for the Be Good, Do Good Volunteer Fair. 

Checking in with the Director Handbook Book Club

The 2025 edition of the Handbook for New Public Library Directors in New York State is a detailed handbook that aims to orient new directors to the library landscape in New York and to provide actionable basics so that library staff can get to the business of providing quality library service to the community.

The Handbook includes sections on the library director’s relationship with a board, the ins and outs of the library network in New York, helpful sample policies, and detailed checklists for tackling facilities and more.

For some extra support and community, don’t miss the Directors Handbook Book Club series from the Public Library System Directors Organization of New York State (PULISDO). Join author of the Handbook for New Library Directors in New York State, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, and friends for this fun and informative series! Prior to each session, directors are encouraged to read the corresponding chapter of the Director Handbook on the topic for that session.  

The next session takes place on September 25, with The Director-Board Relationship. 

Living Through the American Revolution

Check out our new curated 7th floor exhibit, Living Through the American Revolution! The items on display present several perspectives of the American Revolutionary War, moving beyond traditional battlefield timelines and exploring the lived experiences of those caught in and affected by the conflict.

By bringing together diverse materials and perspectives, such as orderly minutes, correspondence, and modern historical analyses, the collection highlights how the war was experienced across different social, political, and racial spectrums. 

Plan your visit today! 

To Remember: 25 Years Later

Many of us remember where we were when we heard about one of the most tragic events in United States history. Each year on September 11, we remember and pay tribute to those we lost. 

For the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we capture the momentous spirit of honor, resilience, and hope that emerged in the following days. Education evolved. Many forget the students of 9/11, and how their personal and educational lives were changed from that day forward. Instruction had to rapidly adapt how subjects were taught. As time has passed, art has become a way to heal, reflect, and speak. 

The items in the NYS Library’s 7th floor pop-up exhibit highlight these perspectives. We invite you to visit the Library to view these items and reflect on this part of New York history. 

The NYS Library is also home to the 9/11 Tribute Museum book collection. In 2006, the September 11th Families’ Association opened the 9/11 Tribute Museum as a site of connection and reflection. The 9/11 Tribute Museum closed its NYC operations in August 2022, citing financial hardships stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tribute Museum's book collection was transferred to the NYS Library in 2023, where it remains available to all New Yorkers.

NY at 250 kicks off with programs for librarians and educators. View the full slate of NY at 250 programs.

Collaboration Opportunities from New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Date: Tuesday, September 15

Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

This webinar focuses on a variety of 250th initiatives from New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Learn about the Enslavement to Freedom project, including 2027 anniversaries, the research and development process, exhibit themes, and ways that your library can engage with this work! Participants will also receive an overview of OPRHP's Revisit the Revolution traveling exhibit.

Featuring presenters India Futterman, Aine Leader-Nagy, Lavada Nahon, and Mallory Schultz. 

Commemorating Local History Through Historic Markers

Date: Tuesday, October 6

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join the New York State Library as we continue our 250th webinar series! This presentation focuses on historical marker programs offered by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. These marker grant programs highlight subjects spanning everything from food history to folklore and are open to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and local, state, and federal government entities. Libraries are natural partners in this work — learn about the various programs, the application process, and engagement strategies. How could your library help uplift community stories through a historic marker? 

Featuring presenters Anastasia Sopchak and Elizabeth Barbour. 

Honoring, Preserving, and Engaging with New York State's History

Date: Wednesday, December 9

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

There’s no better place to explore New York’s history than the New York State Education Department’s Cultural Education Center, home of the Office of Cultural Education. The stalwart structure is home to the NYS Museum, NYS Library, and the NYS Archives – a perfect stop on any nerd’s odyssey.

If you can’t get to the Cultural Education Center, don’t worry! We’re bringing it to you from 11 am to 12 pm on Wednesday, December 9, when staff from the NYS Archives, Archives Partnership Trust, NYS Library, and NYS Museum will share collection highlights and resources intended to inspire and support local library programming.

View a complete list of upcoming programs