Legislature OK'S Ritchie Bill That Makes It Easy To 'Love Your Library'

State Senator Patty Ritchie today announced that the Legislature has given final approval to her bill that will let New Yorkers show their love for community libraries through a donation on their annual tax returns.

The measure is seen as a way to boost funding and help local libraries meet increasing demands for their services without raising taxes.

“Libraries are at the very core of our communities, serving as educational, cultural and entertainment hubs and, of course, a place to pick up a great read,” said Senator Ritchie. “This bill gives library fans and users an easy way to show their support and appreciation for the important work of our libraries, and helps ensure that they remain at the center of our communities for the future.”

The bill, S.3023-A, creates a “Love Your Library” fund and directs that tax forms include a space to allow New Yorkers to make a voluntary contribution. Each year, tens of thousands of taxpayers use similar “check-offs” to make about $2 million in donations to various causes, from wildlife protection to cancer research.

The legislation marks Senator Ritchie’s latest effort to support libraries, since she was named chair of the Senate’s Select Committee on Libraries earlier this year.

Another Ritchie bill passed by both the Senate and Assembly (S.3010) directs the state to conduct a study on the impact that New York’s 7,000 libraries—including more than 50 libraries in Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence County communities represented by Senator Ritchie—have on local economies, from direct jobs to indirect benefits, including research and entertainment value. 

Libraries in Senator Ritchie’s district recorded nearly 1 million visits in 2015, according to the New York Library Association, and more than 80,000 adults and children participated in library-sponsored programs and events.

In addition to legislation approved this week, Senator Ritchie delivered record funding for libraries in the 2017-18 State Budget, including funds for construction and improvements to modernize local libraries, make them more accessible and support expanded services.

Senator Ritchie’s bills, S.3023-A and S.3011, will be sent to the Governor for his approval.