New York State Association of Library Boards

Dear Trustee:

Earlier this year, the Regents Commission on Library Services completed its two-year mission to develop a plan for statewide library services in the 21st century. In June, the Commission submitted its final report, providing a roadmap toward quality library services in the coming years. In July, the Board of Regents formally adopted the Commission's set of ten policy recommendations, embracing it as their initiative. This initiative affords an unprecedented opportunity to position our public libraries at the center of education with the public schools.

The public will benefit by the implementation of the policy recommendations. For example:

Creation of the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library (NOVEL) will enable all the state's libraries to offer high-quality electronic resources to patrons on-site and in remote locations.
New need-based funding for libraries will correct wide inequities and establish a minimum funding level of $20 per capita.
The NY EXCELS Program will provide aid and incentives to expand and improve library services.
Increased support will be available for library construction, expansion, and renovation.
New incentives and opportunities will encourage the voluntary formation of Public Library Districts, increasing the quality of library services throughout the state and offering greater public control, which almost always results in increased library support.
An Urban Library Initiative will help libraries struggling to serve New York's diverse, densely populated urban areas.

To begin implementing these recommendations, the Regents have sent to the Governor a proposal for a $95 million investment in New York's libraries. It includes:

$60 million in Library Aid to Localities
$20 million in capital funds for public library construction
$15 million to strengthen public school library media programs

I hope you will become familiar with the recommendations of the Commission on Library Services and the Regents' 2001-2002 Budget and Legislative Initiatives if you have not already done so. I have enclosed a copy of New York's Libraries: Meeting the Needs of the New Century, which briefly explains the Commission's recommendations. If you need answers to specific questions, Carol Desch at the New York State Library will be happy to answer them. Phone her at (518)474-7196 or send e-mail to cdesch@mail.nysed.gov.

The Regents and I share the conviction of the Commission on Library Services that all New Yorkers should have access to a quality public library in their community, and that every community should support a public library. To become reality, the Regents' proposal will need support from the Governor, the Legislature, and many different stakeholders within the state, including you. I hope we can count on your support.

Sincerely,

Richard P. Mills

President, University of the State of New York

and Commissioner of Education

enc.

cc: Public Library Directors

Public Library System Directors