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New York State Library News & Events

November 2025

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.

Currently on Display in the Cultural Education Center

The Erie Canal was a bold experiment in engineering, labor, and vision. A new Library exhibit, Locks, Labor, and Legacy: the Erie Canal, brings together materials from the NYS Library to mark the 200th anniversary of this transformative waterway. The exhibit explores how the canal was built, who built it, and how it reshaped New York State, leaving a legacy that continues to flow today. 

On display through mid-December on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center.  

Featured Resource: Erie Canal Collection Guide

The history of the Erie Canal is an astonishing story that unfolds in great detail through the breadth and depth of the New York State Library’s collections. Among the Library’s collection of several million items are hundreds of documents representing a compelling piece of the canal’s story. These materials comprise the usual books, maps, photographs, and newspaper articles, and some uniquely New York items such as travel journals, canal boat directories, receipts, sheet music, drawings, and geologic surveys. 

Our new Erie Canal Collection Guide compiles the Library’s most informative documents about the Erie Canal from all parts of its history. Most items in this guide are available to view or download in the Library’s Digital Collections, though notes have been included to support in-person visits to the NYS Library, as well. We hope you can visit us! 

Behind the Scenes: Searching the Erie Canal

Do you ever wonder how NYS Library staff locate such interesting items in a sea of information? Come along as we break down a library catalog search in our quest to locate and share exciting items from the long history of the Erie Canal.

Get some great librarian-approved tips for keyword searching and spend some time with a treasure from our collections, all on our blog!

Read From the Collections: Searching the Erie Canal on our blog today! 

Behind the Scenes: Preserving Erie Canal History

Founded just one year apart and with similar goals to support growth and connection, the NYS Library and the Erie Canal each facilitated the connections necessary to advance the pursuit of knowledge and improvement. 200 years is a long time, and while the Erie Canal was largely superseded by the spread of railroads, the collections of the NYS Library have seen continuous use for the past two hundred years, which means Library staff are always busy. 

Take a look behind the scenes at the NYS Library to learn about how staff from several departments apply their expertise to the ongoing care of Library collections, making sure that New York’s history is available to all New Yorkers.

Read more about Preserving Erie Canal History at the NYS Library. 

Unlocking Career Growth and Education with Gale Presents: Peterson's Test and Career Prep from NOVELny



Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Time: 1:00pm - 1:30pm

Discover how Gale Presents: Peterson's Test and Career Prep can support adults and students with career guidance, test preparation, and adult education. Join our webinar to explore the comprehensive features of this invaluable resource. From practice tests to career pathways, gain access to tools that empower career growth and educational success. Register now and take the next step towards supporting your students’ and patrons’ goals!

Supporting Job Seekers with Disabilities



Date: Friday, November 14, 2025

Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm

Ever wondered how libraries serve readers who have a reading or print disability, like dyslexia, or are visually or physically unable to use standard print materials? Get an inside look at the incredible services offered by the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library - a vital resource serving readers of all ages across New York State who rely on accessible reading materials to stay informed, educated, and entertained.

Our diverse collection includes the latest bestsellers and award winners, along with books and magazines for all ages in over 50 languages. With BARD, Braille and Audio Reading Download, patrons may instantly download books in audio or digital braille to any compatible phone or device. Learn more about all our services at this informative class.

Presenter Laurenne Teachout has been a Senior Librarian with the NYS Talking Book & Braille Library in Albany, NY since September 2023, after previously serving as a public library director at several libraries in Rensselaer County and as a Captioning Assistant for the hearing impaired in Pittsfield, MA.

View a complete list of upcoming programs