Senator Farley Receives Award for Years of Dedication to Libraries

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C, I - Schenectady) was honored to receive the 2012 Distinguished Service Award from the Library Trustees Association of New York State. He was presented with the award on May 16th when the association's president Mary Ellen O'Connor came to the Senate Chamber in Albany to honor Senator Farley.

"Libraries are very important to our communities and our State," Senator Farley said. "They provide educational services and opportunities to people of all ages. Whether you are learning to read, doing a school project, advancing your education, learning new skills, seeking a job, pursuing your hobbies and interests, seeking access to the Internet or simply looking for a good book to read, libraries offer a wide variety of resources and services to the public."

Senator Farley received the 2011 Ex Libris Award last fall from the New Yorkers for Better Libraries. The organization also honored Senator Farley's leadership on library issues.

Senator Farley sponsored virtually every piece of major library legislation from 1978 through 2012. 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.

Up until 2008, Senator Farley chaired the Senate has a Subcommittee on Libraries that was housed under the Education Committee. This year, Senator Farley helped create the new Senate Select Committee on Libraries and was named Chairman. This 19-member bipartisan body was established on January 10th through passage of a Senate resolution.

"I am proud to have been a lifelong advocate for libraries, and will continue my efforts to assist them in meeting the needs of the public," Senator Farley said.

Senator Farley also reminds constituents of the Summer Reading Program the New York State Library is sponsoring that encourages children to read and use local libraries over the summer break from school.

"I encourage families to use their libraries this summer," Senator Farley said. "Reading is a fun activity that opens the mind to all sorts of adventures. 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. By using their local library this summer, children will find an adventure on every shelf."

For more information on the program that starts in June, visit the website http://www.summerreadingnys.org/