Ritchie Bill to Identify Ecomonic Impact of Public Libraries Signed Into Law

Senate Select Committee on Libraries Chair Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing that her bill to identify the economic impact public libraries have on the communities they serve has been signed into law. 

Under the measure, (Senate bill 3010), the Empire State Development Corporation and State Education Department will be required to conduct a study on the economic impact of public libraries and public library systems in New York State, at least once every five years.

The study will include details on the return on investment that state and local governments receive from public libraries and library systems, as well as the economic impact public library expenditures have on local and state economies.  In addition, the study will also look at the resources, programs and services provided to current and prospective business owners and other library patrons, in addition to an overall analysis of public library systems and the value they provide to libraries. 

“Our libraries play a critical role in the overall health of our communities, providing everything from books and internet access to children’s activities and special cultural events,” said Senator Ritchie.  “It’s these resources that help people to expand their horizons, find employment, grow closer to members of their community and more.  Through this measure, we will take a harder look at the positive impact libraries have on our state and in turn, find ways we can help to strengthen them and the invaluable services they provide to patrons.”

In addition to the legislation signed by Governor Cuomo Monday, Senator Ritchie is also conducting a “2017 Public Library Survey” on her website, www.ritchie.nysenate.gov.  Feedback gathered from the survey will help to identify ways in which the state can work to boost New York’s more than 750 public libraries.  Senator Ritchie is encouraging librarians from New York’s public libraries to participate in the survey by November 27th.