New York

New York State Library

Lauren Moore, State Librarian

"The New York State Library serves over 7000 libraries across the state. Through the Grants to States program the State Library serves all New Yorkers by championing lifelong learning and providing statewide programs and services such as Summer Reading at New York Libraries and Ready to Read at New York Libraries. The State Library also promotes community engagement through our libraries and professional development for library staff and trustees. Through partnerships with regional library systems, offices within the State Education Department, other government agencies and other organizations the State Library demonstrates excellence in public services, strengthens community engagement and advances collections stewardship."

-- Lauren Moore, State Librarian, New York State Library

Project Examples

photo collage of various library display cases

Summer Reading at New York Libraries 
The New York State Library (NYSL)'s Summer Reading at New York Libraries is an annual project with three goals: to improve literacy and academic performance by promoting reading; to improve children's access to library materials and activities that encourage them to become lifelong library users and learners; and to foster a love of reading in young people through public library programs and services. The grant supported themed materials, staff time to coordinate the program and maintain related websites, and an online product to facilitate registration and participation. Partners in recent years included 4-H, Hunger Solutions New York, Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York State Reading Association, and the New York State Senate and Assembly. 
IMLS Funds: $181,010 

 

Young child sitting in chair, holding a large book

Ready to Read at New York Libraries 
Ready to Read at New York Libraries is a statewide early literacy program coordinated by the New York State Library (NYSL). It is designed to raise the level of early literacy expertise and resources that New York's public libraries provide to young children, families, and caregivers in their communities. During the project period, professional development opportunities shifted to virtual formats and included Supercharged Storytimes for All sessions and webinars featuring early literacy practitioners and experts in the field. In addition to training, NYSL staff created and maintained the DayByDayNY family literacy calendar site, which includes a subscription to One More Story, and provided 450 consultations during the grant period. 
IMLS Funds: $107,402 

Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.

Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.

Five-Year Plan Highlights

Goal 1: The New York State Library will champion lifelong learning. 

  • Projects include:
    • Summer Reading at New York Libraries 
    • Ready to Read at New York Libraries (early literacy) 
    • Transforming Teen Services 
    • New York State Library public programming 
    • New York Online Virtual Electronic Library (NOVELNY) 

Goal 2: The New York State Library will demonstrate excellence in public services to and through its library systems and libraries. 

  • Projects include:
    • Building strong library leaders
    • Data for decision making 
    • Expanding Library networking and collaboration 

Goal 3: The New York State Library will strengthen community engagement and promote social wellbeing. 

  • Projects include:
    • Digital inclusion 
    • Community engagement and outreach to underserved populations 

Goal 4: The New York State Library will advance collections stewardship and access. 

  • Projects include:
    • Digitization
    • New York State government documents 
    • Preservation and discoverability 
    • Research Library services for libraries
    • Research Library services for researchers
    • Digital services 

IMLS Data Collection

State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool

Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.

  • YearAllotment Value
    2020 $8,201,170.00
    2021 $8,147,500.00
    2022 $8,399,826.00
    2023 $8,514,600.00
    2024 $8,125,215.00
  • 5 Year Plan Text

    Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.

    5 year plan
    Attachment Size
    newyork5yearplan.pdf 471.45 KB