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New York State Library News & Events

April 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.

Celebrate National Library Week with the NYS Library!

National Library Week takes place April 19-25, but the celebration at the NYS Library has already started, and this year we’re pulling out all the stops for the theme "Find Your Joy!" 

Keep reading for more about what we've been working on--we're excited to share our many library joys with you, and we invite you to connect with something you love!

The Librarians Documentary Screening and Discussion 

Join us in the Cultural Education Center on Saturday, April 25, for a screening of The Librarians documentary followed by a panel discussion with State Librarian Lauren Moore, New York Public Library Senior Director of Reading and Engagement and author Brian Jones, Past-President of the American Library Association Emily Drabinski, American Libraries columnist and Library Freedom Project member Reanna Esmail, and Amanda Hoffman, a former library assistant who fought for her community through the turmoil surrounding a Drag Queen Story Hour. They will discuss the challenges libraries face today, their personal experiences in the battle against censorship, and their suggestions for what libraries and their supporters can do in the continuing struggle for intellectual freedom. 

The discussion will be moderated by James Paleologopoulos, Producer for WAMC/Northeast Public Radio’s On the Road, and will be recorded for later broadcast. 

Guests are also invited to try zine making with help from the Albany Zine Club, bring home free resources and books from The RED Bookshelf, and receive event posters printed on site by Circus printshop - they will also print on shirts or tote bags guests bring! 

Visit our Events Calendar for more information about The Librarians Documentary Screening and Discussion.

This Is How We Do It: Talking Book and Braille Library

Every day at the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library, staff work to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the power of excellent library services and collections. And they’re really good at it! 

In the latest episode of the Office of Cultural Education’s This Is How We Do It series, staff from the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) take us behind the scenes of an essential and highly personalized set of services. You don’t want to miss this! 

Watch the full TBBL video and get the details on our blog. 

Onsite Walking Tour of the Local History and Genealogy Resources at the New York State Library

Dates: April 10, April 24, May 7

Time: Varies

The New York State Library is a treasure chest of resources for those tracing their family histories. Join us for an on-site tour highlighting published genealogies, local histories, church records, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) records, United States and New York State Census records, newspapers on microfilm, city directories, and more. NYS Library staff will lead the tour.

This public program is made possible by federal Library Service and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which enable the New York State Library to champion lifelong learning.

The Room for Everyone series continues in 2026 with a full slate of virtual accessibility trainings for libraries.  

For even more resources on library accessibility, don’t miss our newly launched Library Accessibility Guide, complete with helpful overviews, tips, and resources to help make sure that New York’s libraries are accessible to all.  

Universal Design and Libraries for All

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm

What do we have to do to make sure everybody can use the library?

The accessibility of library services goes way beyond the library building. For many users, access to books, learning, and the library space starts a long time before they even leave their house.

In this talk, Marie Bjørnskov Engberg will explore how many of the services we develop and plan can unintentionally build new barriers for users with disabilities, and how using the principles of universal design can help us build meaningful and equally accessible library services for everybody.

Library Accessibility 101: Because People with Disabilities Need Libraries

Date: Friday, May 8, 2026

Time: 10:00am - 11:00pm

This presentation will provide some basic knowledge on disability etiquette and discuss the pivotal role libraries play for people with disabilities. We will also discuss some challenges libraries face such as service animals vs. emotional support animals, disability that manifests in behavioral issues that may challenge the library environment, and why libraries are important for the wellbeing of people with disabilities.

View a complete list of upcoming programs