A Message from Lauren Moore, New York State Librarian |
On April 25th, the New York State Library celebrated National Library Workers Day, an opportunity to recognize the hard work of NYS Library staff, volunteers, and interns. This team of fewer than 100 people accomplishes so much throughout the year:
- The Regent Joseph E. Bowman Jr. Research Library, established by law in 1818, collects, preserves, and provides access to a unique collection of over 20 million items documenting the history, culture, and important ongoing work of New York State and its residents.
- The Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) lends braille, audiobooks, magazines, and special playback equipment by mail to residents of the 55 upstate counties who cannot read printed materials because of a visual or physical disability. Materials are mailed to and from library patrons at their homes at no charge and can also be downloaded directly to a tablet or smartphone.
- The Division of Library Development (DLD) works in partnership with 72 library systems to bring library services to millions of people who use New York's academic, public, school, and special libraries. Librarians, trustees, public officials, and community leaders depend on Library Development to help make library services and resources available to all communities.
National Library Workers Day was also an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of library workers across New York State. Despite the challenges, distractions, and even cruel attacks on libraries, New York’s library workers have maintained a clarity of purpose: to provide access to expansive library collections, to promote reading and learning, and to meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve.
It’s a pleasure and honor to be a part of New York’s library community. Thank you to all library workers.
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Summer Reading at New York Libraries Returns!
Summer Reading programs work to foster a love of reading through public library programs and services and increase successful reading experiences through librarian-supported, self-selected, voluntary reading. Libraries across the state offer Summer Reading Programs (SRP) to support literacy development in New York communities by encouraging reading and engaging communities through activities.
The Summer Reading LibGuide is a fantastic resource for librarians, educators, and caregivers who are looking to engage young readers during the summer months. There you’ll find reading lists, activities, connections to mission-adjacent organizations and summer meals, and many more resources to support Summer Reading.
Learn more about the Summer Reading at New York Libraries program, funded through the Federal Library Services and Technology Act, with funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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Tasting History is Back for Series 4 |
The highly anticipated NYS Library Tasting History series returns! The recipe source for this series was Amelia Simmons's American Cookery, the first cookbook to be written by an American and published in the United States. The NYS Library’s Manuscripts and Special Collections unit has a copy of the 2nd edition, which was published in 1796 in Albany, NY.
Be sure to check the Tasting History Series 4 collection in the NYS Personal History Initiative’s collections, as recipes will be added periodically over the next few months. Need a snack in the meantime? Amelia Simmons's American Cookery is also available in the NYS Library's Digital Collections.
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Discover More with FindNYCulture.org |
FindNYCulture.org is a searchable directory of New York’s 4,600+ museums, libraries, historical societies, science centers, parks, zoos, university art galleries, planetariums, and more.
Teachers, families, and students can discover the exciting educational programming and resources offered by cultural organizations across New York State. Get started by selecting “Search Learning Resources” to search by location, type of organization, subject, grade level, and program type.
FindNYCulture was created by the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education with input from New York’s teachers and cultural organizations.
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Register for the NYS Digital Equity Task Force's Education Subcommittee Meeting
The NYS Library, in partnership with the ConnectALL Office, has launched a Digital Equity Task Force to help guide New York State in its plan for over $1B of investments through the State Digital Equity Plan and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.
Please join the NYS Library at the New York State Digital Equity Task Force's Education Subcommittee meeting on May 31 from 3-5 PM. We want to hear from educators, students, community organizations, libraries, and community members with experience with New York State’s education systems about their experience and recommendations for creating digital equity in New York.
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Connect to All Kinds of Expertise with NYS Library Public Programs
We maintain a robust calendar of events! Check back often for programs from across the NYS Library, including author and researcher talks, professional development opportunities for library staff, facilitated conversations on timely topics, and exciting explorations of NYS Library collections and services. All programs are free, virtual, and open to the public.
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