Director Briefing - May 12, 2025

NYS Budget

NYLA sent out the budget updates late last week. Here's where we are:

• Library Operating Aid: $106.325M
  • +$1.725M from Executive
  • +$2.473M from FY 2025 Enacted
• Library Construction Aid: $44M
  • +$10M from Executive
  • Flat to FY 2025

This will mean a slight increase in Library Aid and about the same in Construction Aid as we received last year (roughly $1,166,497).

There is already talk of mid-year state budget cuts, so I will keep an eye on that, but it shouldn't impact construction aid since that is bonded through DASNY.

Other library funding-related updates:

• Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: $500,000
  • +$125,000 from Executive
  • Even to FY 2025 Enacted
• Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center of Queens Library: $222,500
  • +$110,000 from Executive
  • +$55,000 from FY 2025 Enacted
• Brooklyn Public Library Center for Brooklyn History: $100,000
  • New for FY 2026
• Library Social Worker Pilot Program: $150,000
  • New for FY 2026
• Love Your Library Fund: $100,000
  • Even with Executive, disbursement from existing account
• Dolly Parton Imagination Library: $1M
  • -$6M from Executive
  • +$500,000 from FY 2025

Swank Movie License Survey

Following the Swank presentation at OWWLDAC, we wanted to gauge interest in reallocating Central Library resources to provide indoor Swank Movie Licensing to all member libraries. If you could complete the questionnaire linked below so we can better understand System-wide interest, current programs, attendance, and possible future programs, that would be great.

OSC Outreach to AFR Non-Filers

In their recent newsletter , the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) noted that they are beginning to contact the non-filers identified through the Annual Financial Report Filing Status tool. If you notice your library has any gaps in your filing history or have fallen behind in filing, don't hesitate to reach out to the OSC for assistance.

Contact OSC:

• Email: AFRFile@osc.ny.gov
• Phone: (518) 474-6975 or (866) 321-8503, option 4

By staying on top of your AFR filings, you're helping to maintain the trust of your community and promoting a culture of good governance. Keep up the great work, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance!

Construction Aid

Resources

NYSL has great resources available for Construction Aid here: https://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/construc/

Intent to Apply due May 30, 2025

The Intent to Apply is due on May 30. All you need is a brief project description and a contractor’s quote showing the total cost. The minimum award is $2,500—and since libraries may be eligible to receive up to 90% in funding, smaller projects are absolutely welcome!

Click here to complete the Intent to Apply!

Questions?

Feel free to contact me (Ron) directly with any Construction Aid questions.