SUBJECT:

PURPOSE:

Albany, New York
Tuesday
December 6, 2005
1:30 p.m.
Chancellors Hall
89 Washington Ave
State Education Building
Albany, NY 12234

TESTIMONY WILL BE BY INVITATION ONLY

The role of libraries in the community is an important one and has long been appreciated by New York State's citizens. However, library funding in New York State has not grown in the past decade at a rate that is commensurate with the expectations of service that communities have for them. Libraries have become not only depositories for books and periodicals, but also provide public meeting places, as well as access to computers and the internet for citizens who can not afford to have such access in their homes or who need assistance using computer technology.

In addition to the much needed operating funds, there is a critical need for capital funding: creating space for both people and technology may necessitate renovations, upgrades, and in some instances new or expanded space to provide appropriate services. At this time however, there is only $800,000 in state money dedicated to providing assistance for library construction projects. While some communities are able to generate other revenues sources to pay for construction, many others have been unable to do so. Library facilities in these communities are often left overcrowded, without computers and in some cases out of compliance with the Americans for Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Committee is interested in gathering information regarding the construction needs of libraries throughout the state as well as input from the library community on the impact of the availability of funding for library construction.

Persons invited to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons invited to present testimony at the public hearing on Statewide Library Construction are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and return it to:

Julie M. Marlette
Legislative Analyst
Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology
Room 513 - Capitol
Albany, New York 12248
Email: marletj@assembly.state.ny.us
Phone: (518) 455-4881
Fax: (518) 455-4128

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