April 15 - 21 Is Library Week In New York

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Libraries, announces that Library Week in New York Stateis April 15th through April 21st.

"Libraries are a place of lifelong learning," Senator Farley said. "Librarians are truly amazing people. They inspire young people and invite them into a library where there is an adventure on every shelf. Librarians and their staff help the public, and alsowork behind the scenes,maintaining the cataloguing system, processing and preparing books and audiovisual materials, and keeping library shelves full. They deserve recognition for their efforts."

The Catholic Charities Family Room, located at 1 Kimball Avenue, Amsterdam, is saluting the celebration early with a book swap on April 9th at 5 p.m.

The Johnstown Public Library will host its 11th annual Storybook Sundae on April 22nd from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Fulton Montgomery Community College's Student Union.

Senator Farley encourages people to use their local libraries. "Reading is a fun activity that opens the mind to all sorts of adventures," Senator Farley said. "As a former teacher, I try to promote reading and learning as much as possible. Parents have a very important responsibility in their children’s growth and education. Studies have shown that children whose families are involved in their learning become higher achievers and learn more quickly than children whose families are not. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s not difficult to help your children learn. The best way is to encourage them to read. When children see their family members reading, writing and conversing, they naturally want to participate."

Senator Farley said New York State is home to many of the world's finest libraries, with 7,000 institutions offering services ranging from scholarly research to recreational reading. "Take the time in this upcoming week to stop in at your local library and tell the staff how great they are," Senator Farley said.

As the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Libraries, Senator Farley led efforts to increase operating aid to libraries by $5 million in the recently-passed State budget. This represents a 5% increase in aid. He also obtained over $200,000 in special legislative grants for local libraries in Fulton, Montgomery, Schenectady and Saratoga counties. The State Budget also includes $14 million in new funds for building projects and improvements by libraries.

Special moneys for library construction were first secured by the State Legislature in last year’s budget. These construction grants were offered Statewide on a competitive basis. The following three local applicants were recently awarded construction funds:

* Ballston Spa Public Library, Saratoga County, $62, 096. The funding will be used to create a small addition to house an elevator, mechanical room and new entry way.

* Northville Public Library, Fulton County, $40,788. The funding will be used to renovate the second floor, install an elevator and install lighting.

* Fort Plain Free Library, Montgomery County, $44,547. The funding will be used for rebuilding front porch and columns, removal of drop ceilings, paneling and wainscoting, and restoration of original walls and ceilings.

Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Libraries since 1978, Senator Farley sponsored all significant library legislation adopted over three decades. He was a member of the Governor's Commission on Libraries, an elected delegate to the White House Conferences on Libraries in 1979 and 1991, and a recipient of the New York Library Association President's Award. As prime Senate sponsor of the New York Library Initiative legislation, he led successful efforts to increase library funding in the State budget.