Senator Farley Receives State Library Award

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I - Schenectady) was honored to receive the 2011 Ex Libris Award from the organization New Yorkers for Better Libraries in recognition of his leadership on library issues.

"By supporting libraries, we are supporting our youth, our families and our communities," Senator Farley said. "I am proud of my commitment to New York libraries."

"Libraries are a place of lifelong learning," Senator Farley said. "Librarians inspire our youth and invite them to discover an adventure on every shelf. Libraries also help the public access vital information for a variety of uses and many people use libraries to help further their education. Librarians and their staff provide valuable services to the public."

Senator Farley sponsored virtually every piece of major library legislation from 1978 through 2011. He was a member of the Governor's Commission on Libraries and an elected delegate to the White House Conferences on Libraries in 1979 and 1991. He has fought to secure State funding for libraries and to establish new forms of library services, including school library systems and hospital library programs.

According to New Yorkers for Better Libraries, Senator Farley received this award for his role in restoring some of the State aid to libraries in the current State budget. Senator Farley also sponsored legislation that modifies the public library construction grant program to lower the local match to 25 percent of project costs for libraries in high need areas, and legislation that would expand eligibility for libraries to apply for local government efficiency grants. Both were signed into law earlier this year. Senator Farley received the highest score, an A+, in the Library Advocates Guide to Voting Records of the New York State Legislature.