Requires distribution of information on obtaining library card and application to all students

17 Co-sponsors

• Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
• Tony Avella
• Phil Boyle
• John A. DeFrancisco
• Adriano Espaillat
• Mark Grisanti
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Kenneth P. LaValle
• Jack M. Martins
• George D. Maziarz
• Velmanette Montgomery
• Michael F. Nozzolio
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• Patty Ritchie
• José M. Serrano
• James L. Seward
• David J. Valesky

BILL NUMBER:S2018A

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to the distribution of library card applications and information in public schools

Purpose

This bill expands access to the New York State public library system by encouraging local libraries and schools to enter into partnerships to make library card applications and library information available to students, thereby encouraging children to read and learn outside the classroom.

Summary of provisions

This bill amends the Education Law by adding a new section 816 relating to the distribution of information on obtaining a library card and a library card application to students.

Section 1 adds a new section 816 to the Education Law with subsection (1) providing the legislative intent and subsection (2) defining the terms of school district and public library.

Subsection (3) provides that, upon the request of a public library that is located within the boundaries of a school district, the district shall disseminate library card applications and informational material provided by the local library. Upon request, such items shall be distributed to students upon their entry into kindergarten, grade 6, and grade 9 and to all new students. Materials shall also be made available in the school library.

Subsection (4) provides that the director of each participating public library shall consult annually with the school district in order to coordinate the provision of materials containing information regarding the library, instructions on how students may obtain a library card and an application for a library card.

Subsection (5) states that the participating local public library shall provide sufficient materials to each school.

Subsection (6) clarifies that school districts that do not have public libraries within their boundaries are not required to comply with this law.

Subsection (7) allows the Commissioner of Education to establish rules and regulations to implement these provisions.

Subsection (8) states nothing in this act shall require a school district to expend additional funds in order to comply with the provisions of this section.

Subsection (9) provides that this law shall not apply to a school district or a library in a city of one million or more where such district or library are subject to a local law which was adopted prior to the enactment of this section and which provides for the distribution of library materials in public schools.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

Justification

A public library card provides students with a passport to the world, allowing them to explore the limits of their own imagination. Ensuring that every student has access to our public libraries is a crucial first step in developing a lifelong connection with some of New York's greatest resources. This bill expands learning opportunities by encouraging libraries and schools to enter into partnerships to distribute an application for a library card, as well as information about the public library, to every kindergartener, sixth grader, and high school freshman as well as all new students. The bill also ensures that applications and information on the public library system are provided in sufficient quantities and made available to students and parents alike in the school's library.

Legislative history

Similar to S. 4174-A of 2012

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the next September 1 succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.