In a sign of what’s to come for public libraries and other non-profits that rely on government funding across the country, the Governor of New York State has cut appropriations for the state’s 73 library systems by $20 million. The New York Library Association issued a strongly worded press release this week.

“The library community is outraged by this proposal and the continued targeting of libraries to solve the state’s budget shortfalls. Library Aid has already been cut twice this year, in April by 2% as part of the adopted 2008-09 State Budget and then again at the Special Session in August by another 6%”, stated Michael J. Borges, Executive Director of the New York Library Association.

“No other educational institutions have been targeted for a 20% cut in state funding. There seems to be no recognition by state budget makers that library usage has skyrocketed over the last year as more people turn to libraries for finding jobs, improving their literacy skills and for free reading materials and programs for their families,” continued Mr. Borges.

The New York State Library Association is holding a rally in Albany on Tuesday, November 18th to protest the cuts.

Libraries are important centers in all of our communities and the public usually reacts to cuts with an outpouring of support  We’ve often therefore made a special effort to mention them in the fundraising appeals we put together for our public library partners.

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