Senator Siela A. Bynoe Champions Local Libraries in State Budget Negotiations

(Albany, NY) — Today, Senator Siela A. Bynoe (SD-6), Chair of the Senate Committee on Libraries, announced key funding increases in the Senate’s budget proposal to better support the essential role of libraries in communities across New York State. Notably, this includes $1 million to fund the Senator’s own proposal,  S.5494, which would launch a pilot program to hire library social workers in economically disadvantaged communities. These trained professionals can better connect residents with critical services like housing assistance and mental health support. The addition of library social workers will help libraries maintain core programming. 

The Senate One House resolution, supported by Senator Bynoe, also restores a $10 million cut and adds an additional $10 million to library capital aid, which can cover construction costs, renovations, and rehabilitation projects at public libraries. It further increases operating aid by $5 million, which supports day-to-day operations, equipment, and services that community members rely on every day.

Senator Bynoe also advocated for increased school library funding, including a raise in the minimum baseline funding rates and per-pupil aid. This will ensure school libraries have access to quality, updated learning materials and resources.

Senator Bynoe said, “There are no other institutions that connect our communities at no cost like local libraries. Given the more prominent role that libraries have occupied as crucial third spaces, I am proud to serve as the new Chair of the Libraries committee, and advance modern proposals alongside robust funding to ensure they thrive. The Senate Majority’s budget proposal reflects our commitment to keeping these vital spaces safe, accessible, and ready to empower the education of all. Throughout the remainder of our negotiations, I will continue to elevate the needs and priorities of our libraries and their staff.”

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