A Message from Lauren Moore, New York State Librarian | |
September is back-to-school season which provides a great opportunity to reflect on the critical role libraries play in New York's educational ecosystem. The mission of the New York State Education Department is to "raise the knowledge, skill, and opportunity of all the people in New York," which sounds a lot like the mission of the libraries. Libraries are education.
In this issue of the NYS Library newsletter, we're featuring tools that can help students and lifelong learners in any setting. The NYS Library is education, too!
And since pictures are worth a thousand words, below is a photo of Commissioner of Education, Betty A. Rosa reading a story about the history of Juneteenth with children in the Albany Public Library's Howe Branch. It was a beautiful example of libraries as education, and we were grateful for our colleagues at Albany Public Library for helping to make this possible.
Thank you to the entire network of libraries across the state for letting the NYS Library be your partner in education.
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Back to School with NOVELny: New Databases for Lifelong Learners | |
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The NYS Library has expanded its partnership with Gale, part of Cengage Group, to provide nearly 6,000 public, school (K-12), academic, and special libraries throughout the state with free access to additional Gale digital resources through NOVELny, the state’s online electronic virtual library. The NYS Library was able to purchase the resources thanks to full funding that NOVELny received in the 2024-2025 New York State budget. These new resources provide New York residents and students with reliable, high-quality content that supports their educational, professional, and informational needs.
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NYS Grants for Participation in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a community-based program mailing free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to registered children from birth until their 5th birthday, no matter their income. Local Program Partners enroll children within their selected community and pay, on average, $2.20 per child/per month towards wholesale book and mailing costs.
To encourage participation in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, The New York State Legislature has appropriated $500,000 to be awarded through a competitive grant program. Funds will be available to libraries, library systems, non-profits, school districts, and BOCES in New York State.
We strongly encourage any organization interested in becoming a Local Program Partner to begin the process as soon as possible, prior to the grant application announcement.
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In Schools: The New York State Talking Book and Braille Library | |
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Summer has flown by, and we find ourselves getting ready for another school year. The New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) lends audio and braille books, magazines, and playback equipment to borrowers who are unable to use standard printed materials because of blindness, low or declining vision, reading disability, or a physical disability that makes it difficult to hold a book or turn a page.
TBBL borrowers get access to over 100,000 titles in our collection. Materials are shipped free of charge, via USPS, or can be downloaded to a mobile device via Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD). Institutions like schools, libraries, and community service providers may also register for service.
TBBL can provide brochures, coloring pages, braille alphabet cards, and posters to build awareness at school. TBBL Librarians are also available, in person or remotely, to make a presentation, table at an event, or answer questions. For more information or to apply for service today, contact us for assistance.
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NYS Library Collections: Available for Your Patrons! | |
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The Regent Joseph E. Bowman Jr. Research Library can readily lend items to other libraries through Interlibrary Loan. We offer a wide variety of materials including newspapers from the 1800s on, bill jackets, genealogical materials, information about New York’s history, and much more.
Through interlibrary loan, the NYS Library can lend out books, microfilm, and microfiche. We can also scan and send digital articles. We provide materials at no cost for all NYS Libraries.
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Programs for Educators and Lifelong Learners
We maintain a full calendar of events! All programs are free and open to the public.
Coming up this fall, we have DHPSNY trainings on caring for collections, database deep-dives from NOVELny, and several author presentations on fascinating figures from New York’s rich history.
Check the calendar often for new programs from across the NYS Library!
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Back to School: E-Rate Edition | |
The E-Rate program is an important federal funding program that ensures libraries and schools have affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services. Public libraries and public library systems, not-for-profit special libraries, and reference and research library resources systems are all eligible to participate in the E-Rate program. E-Rate funding helps libraries purchase advanced telecommunications services, Internet connectivity, and internal connections to meet the information needs of New Yorkers. Libraries in New York State annually receive nearly $10 million dollars in E-Rate funding.
Under FCC’s Learn Without Limits Initiative, there have been some exciting new developments in the E-Rate program which will expand funding opportunities for libraries and schools. These include a three-year cybersecurity pilot program and support for Wi-Fi hotspot lending programs. Both are open to both new and existing E-Rate participants.
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