Michael Borges, Director of the New York Library Association shared the following regarding Governor Spitzer’s budget.
“In addition to continuing the $19.7 million Library Aid increase we received last year ($2.7 million in 2000 Census funding, $3 million for library systems and $14 million in public library construction), the 2007-08 Executive Budget also includes other items of interest to the library community including:

Library Materials Aid – increase of $650,000 to $19.8 million – raising per pupil reimbursement to $6.25 for school libraries to purchase books.
Adult Literacy Education (ALE) – increase of $1 million to $5.32 million for community organizations and libraries to provide adult education services.
School Aid – Increase of $1.4 billion to school districts
SUNY – State General Fund support increased by $143 million
Community Colleges – State General Fund support increased by $20 million
CUNY – State General Fund support increased by $6.3 million
The Executive Budget also includes $50 million for implemenation of a Universal Broadband Initiative which potentially could benefit libraries.
These funding levels provide a positive beginning to our advocacy efforts on behalf of all libraries and we look forward to working with the state Legislature in building upon these investments.”
 

1. State Aid to libraries and library systems included 14 million in new construction aid; aid formulas using the 2000 census and one time extra funding for SALS totaling $110,551.  Many thanks to our state representatives, Assembly members Canestrari, McDonald, Reilly, Sayward, Tedisco, and Senators Bruno, Farley and Little for their support and efforts.
2. The SALS Plan of Service was developed by the member library staff and trustees and was submitted to the Division of Library Development.  The SALS 2007 budget was developed based upon the Plan of Service.
3. The new Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library opened its doors on December 11, 2006.  The 15 million, 55,000 square foot “green” building is the first library in NY State built using recycled tires, plastic, aluminum, bottles and scrap metal and carpeting made of beets, corn and rice.  Congratulations to the dedicated trustees, staff and residents of Clifton Park and Halfmoon for their achievement.Continue reading→