Ritchie Bill That Helps You To "Love Your Library" Signed Into Law

State Senator Patty Ritchie announced Tuesday that legislation which helps New Yorkers “love their library” by making a donation via their annual tax returns has been signed into law by the Governor.

Under the new law sponsored by Senator Ritchie (S.3023-A), who serves as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, a new fund would be established, which allows residents across the state to voluntarily donate to libraries when filling out their tax forms.

The measure is seen as a way to boost funding and help local libraries meet increasing demands for their services without raising taxes. 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.  Assemblymember Sandy Galef sponsored the legislation in the Assembly.

“Across our state, countless people rely on their libraries for books, community events, job searching resources and so much more,” said Senator Ritchie.

“Through this new law, we are giving patrons an easy way to give back to their libraries and provide them with the boost they need to strengthen the important services they provide.”

This is the latest effort by Senator Ritchie to strengthen public libraries. Most recently, Senator Ritchie secured $100,000 in special funding to help connect more libraries to a fiber optic network—which is one of the fastest forms of broadband technology—being established by the North Country Library System, which includes libraries in Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties.